interesting deal. It's a lot of money to give a guy who has only has an ERA+ over 130 twice in his career despite pitching in pitcher friendly parks his whole career. San Diego is extremely pitcher friendly so that will help his ERA as will the move to the NL. Still I am not sure he is worth $18 mill a year into his 37th year. I think Shields is a good pitcher, a solid #2. I am not sure he is going to be an Ace over the lifetime of the contract.

In contrast, CC before coming over to the yanks, was 5 years younger and had pitch 3 consecutive years of >130 ERA+, including an unreal 255 ERA+ with Milwaukee. CC gave us 3 years as an Ace before his decline.

He'll (probably) be overpaid in the last year, but it's not a bad contract for the Padres. I bet he gives them 10+ WAR for that money.

Man, they are gonna be good.

Best headlines on the internet, man.