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Jon Heyman - Under the radar

Jon Heyman, who I am a fan of, has written an article about people who fly under the radar.  Lackey get mentioned as runner up for starter and Bill Stoneman wins for GM.  Well that last part was a lie.  

Actually he writes a nice paragraph about Shields

Relief pitcher
Scot Shields, Angels.

Almost no one does the job of setting up the closer better than Shields, an unassuming guy who goes unnoticed -- though not by folks in the game. When Manny Ramirez was discussed in trade with Anaheim, Shields was one of the names that came up. Anaheim wouldn't think of it.

Shields credits the Angels fine starting staff and having "one of the best closers in the game" in Francisco Rodriguez. But those who play know how good this guy is. Some of the game's biggest hitters dread having to face him.

Shields throw hard and his ball moves in unexpected ways, but his best attribute is that he acts like he has the upper hand, no matter who he's facing, an unusual trait for a 38th-round draft choice (1,137th pick overall) and converted shortstop. "I don't back down from any hitter," Shields said. "I just say, 'Here it comes."'

It works. Shields is regularly among the league leaders in innings and strikeouts for a reliever, and over the past three years has thrown 284 2/3 innings and struck out 291 batters. He also is usually among league leaders in the non-glamorous stat of "holds." "Middle relievers are starting to get more recognition," Shields says. "But it doesn't matter to me, as long as I'm doing my job."

Runner-up Reliever: Brian Fuentes, Rockies.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/jon_heyman/03/23/scoop.friday/index.html

I am a huge Shields guy.  it is nice to see him get some recognition from the wrong coast.

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