James Shields Impresses with Bat Flip

James Shields took advantage of a relaxed atmosphere and fun in the sun early on in Spring Training as reported by Mike Janela. As the Padres played a game which rewarded players for situational hitting Big James Shields stepped up to the plate and knocked out a home run, then added some of his own color commentary to put a punctuation mark on things:

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Perhaps James Shields read this site about how it was Tyson Ross who was supposed to the Padres big hitting pitcher this year? Maybe he was upset about not being named the Opening Day starter for the Padres? Either way he unloaded in a big way, and followed up with a taunting “That’s how I bat flip, boys!”

Spring Training games start Wednesday for the Padres, leaving really only about a week of all day drills and it is important to have fun, especially for a team like the Padres who have little pressure on them after losing several key players and under performing last season.

Team Matt Kemp won the four team, single elimination tournament that dished out points for different baseball acts; sacrifice bunt, home run, or other fundamental situation-smart hitting. Team Matt Kemp was later heard saying that you can’t have “fun” without the “mental” on their way to victory.

The Padres have added some speed this season in new starting second baseman Cory Spangenberg and Jon Jay in the outfield. Gone are lead footed Jedd Gyorko and Wil Myers is now at first base in place of Yonder Alonso.

James Shields may not get an Opening Day start, but he has provided an early spring training highlight with this home run and ensuing bat flip to top it off.