Why Kris Medlen can replace James Shields if healthy

The Royals will not be able to retain James Shields. You have to expect Shields to sign a deal for at least four years. Shields will make probably $15 million or more in some of those seasons. The Royals never are able to retain these players. The Royals made the most underrated signing of the offseason , they signed Kris Medlen to a two year deal with $8.5 million guaranteed. He can make even more through incentives. Medlen is a similar pitcher to Shields , he is gritty and crafty on the mound. The main difference between Medlen and Shields has been Shields always logs 200 innings and Medlen seems to always have an injury. Medlen has had Tommy John Surgery twice in his career and the Royals do not expect him to make an impact until the second half. When Medlen returns he can be just as effective as Shields or if he is anything like 2012 and 2013 more effective. In 2012 Medlen made 12 starts. He pitched 138 innings and had a 1.57 era in those appearances in his first season off of Tommy John Surgery. His whip was an excellent 0.91. In 2013 Medlen pitched to 3.11 era and went 15-12. Medlen had 157 strikeouts and walked just 47 hitters. Medlen is an extremely efficient arm as he does not walk many batters. The main issue for Medlen is his injury concerns. James Shields of course has been the more proven player but for the money this signing can get the Royals back to the postseason. Shields numbers have been very good as well. He will get a big deal because he is extremely effective and durable. Shields had a 14-8 record , 3.21 era , 180 strikeouts , 44 walks , and he pitched 227 innings. When Medlen returns he will not be able to log innings like Shields but may be able to pitch to the same era and whip but perhaps even lower. If all goes right in the deal the Royals will benefit most from the deal in the second half of 2015 and into 2016. When healthy during 2012 and 2013 Kris Medlen has been just as good if not better than Shields. There are no guarantees what he will do when he returns but if he can return , he can be just as good as Shields. The Royals do not even need him to be as good as Shields , they just need him to pitch effectively and be healthy.
By Peter Vitella
@realpete13