MLB Detroit Tigers

5 Reasons Detroit Tigers Must Sign James Shields

5 Reasons Detroit Tigers Must Sign James Shields

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Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

This week, an era of Detroit Tigers baseball officially came to an end when ace Max Scherzer signed with the Washington Nationals. Losing Scherzer was hardly unexpected, but he had been pitching for the Tigers for the past five seasons, and the starting rotation will certainly look different without him. That said, "Big Game" James Shields is still out there, and here are five reasons why the Tigers should take a serious look at the 33-year-old.

5. Improved Division

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Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

5. Improved Division

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Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

Many are still expecting the Tigers to claim their fifth consecutive AL Central crown, but they are going to have to battle through an improved division. The Chicago White Sox may have made the most noise this winter, adding Jeff Samardzija, David Robertson and Adam LaRoche. The defending AL Champion Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Indians should not be forgotten about either. The Tigers may need Shields to keep pace.

4. Rotation Questions

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Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

4. Rotation Questions

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Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Obviously, the Tigers have their ace in David Price, but there are quite a few question marks after him. Some are worried that Justin Verlander's best days may be behind him, and there are also concerns about Anibal Sanchez's durability. Furthermore, Shane Greene appeared in only 15 games for the New York Yankees last season, and Alfredo Simon faded mightily in the second half. Therefore, the Tigers would be wise to add a sure thing in Shields.

3. He's a Workhorse

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Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

3. He's a Workhorse

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Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Sure, he has struggled in the postseason, but Shields has made at least 31 starts and thrown at least 200 innings every year since 2007, and he is certainly not a stranger to pitching deep into games. Shields has pitched 22 complete games over the course of his career, 11 of which came back in 2011 with the Tampa Bay Rays. The Tigers would appreciate an innings eater and workhorse like Shields.

2. Wins Above Replacement

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2. Wins Above Replacement

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Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Since the beginning of the 2011 season, Shields has posted a minimum fWAR of 3.7 in each of the past four seasons. For what it is worth, Fangraphs' Steamer has him at 3.0 fWAR for 2015. Aside from Price, no other Tigers starter is projected to be worth 3.0-plus fWAR in 2015. In what could be a very tight division, the Tigers may need to squeeze out every victory they can, and it appears that Shields could help them do just that.

1. David Price

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Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

1. David Price

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Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Having been teammates in Tampa Bay from 2008-12, Price and Shields are known to be good friends. Price is on schedule to become a free agent after the 2015 season, and there are those who believe that signing Shields would improve the Tigers chances of keeping Price. Detroit would not only be getting a great pitcher in Shields, but also a guy who could help them keep Price around for the long haul.

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