I don't want to go too off topic, but I don't trust James Shields at all. Yeah, don't want Shields at all. And he'll likely get paid a ton based on reputation. Don't trust him? Reputation? What? James Shields fWAR: 2007: 4.3 2008: 3.9 2009: 3.5 2010: 1.7 2011: 4.5 2012: 3.9 2013: 4.5 With the exception of his outlier 2010 (when he had a .341 BABIP) and his rookie year when he played a partial season, he's averaged 4.1 fWAR a year. And 4.3 fWAR the last 3 years. He's also averaged 222.4 innings over the last seven seasons. He's extremely durable and very effective. If you don't trust James Shields or don't understand his reputation then I'm not sure what else to say. He's a good pitcher. If you see anywhere I said I don't trust him or don't understand his reputation then you can't read well. Reputation = past performance. Never said it wasn't earned, just that I think the odds of him living up to his contract (which will likely be 4-5 years long) is very slim. I was referring to PleasewinCubs' issue of trust, fwiw. The reputation issue in regards to overpaying for past performance I understand completely, and I agree. But saying he'll get paid a ton based on reputation is a little different than saying he'll get paid a ton on past performance. Of course he'll get paid a ton based on his reputation. Right now, his reputation is he's been a dependable pitcher for 7 years. A team will overpay for that. I don't think the Cubs should sign him in the slightest because of his age, but no one suggested that.