James Shields has been awarded the American League Player of the Week after back-to-back complete games: a 2-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox and a 2-0 shutout of the Toronto Blue Jays.
↵Big Game Shields has greatly improved from his horrid 5.18 ERA in 2010, posting a team leading 2.35 ERA in five starts this season, as well as a 0.97 WHIP.
↵It may merely be the product of luck, but Shields has been off to an astounding start. He even seems to have conquered his greatest weakness -- the homerun. From our Rays affiliate, DRaysBay: Shields has only allowed 3 HR in 38.2 innings (1 HR/13 IP) as opposed to 2010 when he gave up 34 HR in 203.2 innings pitched (1 HR/6 IP).
↵This is the second week Tampa Bay has been awarded such an honor. Last week, Johnny Damon received the award after two walk-off hits in three games.