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Shields Eager To Put Stop To Slide

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By MARC LANCASTER The Tampa Tribune

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 11, 2008

CLEVELAND - Even before the Rays suffered another loss Thursday night, James Shields was eager to step back into the stopper's role he has filled in the past.

"I'm just trying to keep the flow going and try to win some games for us," Shields said before the game. "We've lost the last three games and we've got to stop the bleeding right now."

The way Shields has been pitching lately, the Rays will like their chances when he takes the mound tonight against All-Star Cliff Lee. The only problem is, Lee (11-2, 2.43 ERA) has been about the most dominant starter in the American League this season.

That means the onus will be on Shields to shut down the Indians, though he said he won't approach the game any differently.

"No, not really," Shields said. "He's having a tremendous year, but I've always been facing a lot of pitchers just like him all season. It's another one of those games where we know it's going to be a battle, and he's been pitching really well and hopefully I can go toe-to-toe with him."

Shields has won his last three starts, allowing just 13 hits and five runs and walking two batters in 201/3 innings while striking out 18.

"I'm pitching really well right now, I think," Shields said. "All four of my pitches are good right now, I'm throwing them for strikes and getting ahead of hitters, and my fastball command's been there the last three games, so that's a huge factor for me."

HOMECOMING: Something strange was in the air for Brian Anderson on Thursday.

A nearly lifelong Clevelander, the Rays' assistant to the pitching coach wasn't sure what to make of his emotions as Tampa Bay prepared to play the Indians.

"I really have never wanted to beat a Cleveland team worse than I want to beat this one over these next four days," Anderson said. "I've never rooted against a Cleveland team. Even when I came here as a visitor, of course I'm pitching against them and I want to beat them, and my team, I want us to win, and that was it. But I really want to beat them, and I think it has to do with us dropping three games in a row and maybe a little angst of not playing anymore."

Anderson spent last season as a television analyst for the Indians before attempting a comeback this spring with the Rays. He blew out his left elbow for the third time during spring training and accepted a staff position created for him as a way to keep him around the team.

Anderson doesn't normally travel with the Rays, but he flew up on his own dime to be with the team, see some friends, and do a little hands-on work with Tampa Bay's pitchers.

REHAB WATCH: Manager Joe Maddon said closer Troy Percival (left hamstring strain) feels good and is lobbying to throw off the mound during the team's trip to Cleveland. ... RHP Al Reyes (shoulder tendinitis) allowed two hits but no runs or walks in an inning for Vero Beach on Thursday. ... SS Jason Bartlett (knee sprain) is making progress but still has some discomfort when pushing off on throws.

NOTEWORTHY: The Rays aren't believed to be interested in 1B Richie Sexson, who was released Thursday by the Mariners. ... Maddon will be the subject of ESPN's "Sunday Conversation" segment this week. The interview, to be taped today, will first air Sunday on the 10:30 a.m. "SportsCenter."

Marc Lancaster

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