Shields aiming to complete his work

James Shields wants to throw some complete games this season after getting none last year.

The Tampa Bay Rays righthander had three complete games in 2008, including two shutouts in 33 starts. Part of the problem is that he faced a lot more of the opposing team’s top pitchers. However, he doesn’t want to use that as an excuse.

“That’s life in the fast lane,” Shields said about facing all those number ones. “I take on all challenges. I don’t care who it is. It doesn’t matter to me. I don’t get intimidated by anyone. I am just going to go out and pitch my game and try to give the team a chance to win.”

Shields said the key to getting some complete games is conditioning. In that regard, he wants to go into the season the best shape possible. To him that means more work.

“Over the last three years, I’ve throw over 650 innings and I am doing a pretty good job and that is a goal I have,” Shields said. “It won’t help if I throw less in the spring. I am trying to get my arm in shape right now and get ready for the season.

The best way to do that is pitch more innings and conditioning and doing all the intangible things you need to do to get ready for the season.”