Quote:
Originally Posted by duncan_idaho
I was really concerned about Shields' road splits until doing some more research this morning. Good points made about those recently in this thread.
After reading more about the change in approach that led to his breakout 2011 season (and still very strong 2012 year), I think you can discount a lot of the road split problems for Shields in previous years. Working a lot in the AL East doesn't help, but it looks pretty obvious the change in approach (emphasizing pitch mix, pitching "backwards") before 2011 made him a much more effective road pitcher.
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A sure way to also improve your road ERA is to stop facing the Yankees, Red Sox, Jays, and Orioles multiple times on the road every season. He'll be fine in that area, I'm unconcerned.