MLB Basetball Betting Preview: James Shields, D-Rays Ace

James Shields has been a big surprise for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays this MLB season. (AP Images)

James Shields is supposed to be a nobody.

He was drafted in the 16th round. Seven years ago. By the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. His throwing arm has been a headache. A benign tumor was removed from it in 2002, a health issue that preceded shoulder tendonitis and nerve problems. Statistically, he entered the 2007 season as a pitcher considered ordinary to subpar after he compiled a 6-8 record with a 4.84 ERA last season.

Not even the nerdiest fantasy baseball player would have plucked Shields with anything more than a final-round draft pick. Not even the sharpest bettor would have wagered Shields, after 13 starts, would have better stats than Brandon Webb or Bartolo Colon. Or, for that matter, be more reliable than teammate Scott Kazmir.

On Saturday, Shields beat Florida Marlins ace Dontrelle Willis, 7-2, to improve to 6-0 on the season with a 3.04 ERA for the last-place Devil Rays. Tampa Bay was a slight favorite in that game, going off at -107 on the moneyline, an indication Shields is getting noticed by baseball bettors and oddsmakers alike. When you look at what Shields has accomplished two months into the season, it's easy to understand the betting public's confidence in him.

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