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Padres Editorial: Win Now Approach Is Why The Padres Got James Shields

By Jason Evans

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James Shields came up with the Tampa Bay Rays. They had no history of winning until guys like Shields, David Price, Carl Crawford and Evan Longoria came up. Shields was a part of the 2008 Rays team that made it all the way to the World Series.

Shields was then sent to the Kansas City Royals. They hadn’t made the playoffs since 1985.  Shields was a veteran presence on the team that along with Eric Hosmer, Alex Gordon, Yordano Ventura et al, made the Series last season. 

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If Matt Kemp, Wil Myers, Justin Upton and all the bats that A.J. Preller brought into this lineup this off-season weren’t here, Shields probably wouldn’t be either, even if he’s a nearby resident.

Here’s what Shields said

"“It’s incredible to see change and the willingness to win,” said Shields, who’d watched a frenetic winter unfold from his home in Rancho Santa Fe. “The fact that this organization is ready to win now, that’s what attracted me to the San Diego Padres. I’m accustomed to winning and I want to spend the rest of my career winning. Hopefully, we’ll create that winning culture in the clubhouse.”"

Shields and Kemp will combine to make $39 million starting in 2016. This year, they will make $13 million combined, so maybe Preller has another move up his sleeve (Hector Olivera, Yoan Moncada).

Shields is going to be that veteran horse in the rotation that can help Tyson Ross and Andrew Cashner develop further and help them deal with higher expectations for a club that hasn’t made the post-season in years.

Here’s what Shields said to Corey Brock on mlb.com:

"“I’m accustomed to winning and I want to spend the rest of my career winning,” he said, “and hopefully we’ll create that winning culture in the clubhouse. To me, that’s one of the biggest things about winning, is creating a winning culture.”"

Pitchers and catchers report in six days. It’ll be the first day to see if the Padres can live up to their and Shields’ expectations.

Next: Justin Upton's Bats Are Missing

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