Scot Shields was initially seen as a low-ceiling prospect after the 38th round but defied expectations to become a key reliever in the franchise's most successful era. He served as the vital "bridge" to Troy Percival and Francisco Rodriguez for ten seasons, demonstrating that a specialized sinker can outweigh a high draft pick.
Debuting in 2001, Shieldshe played a supporting role on the 2002 World Series Championship team; it was his work over the following years that cemented his legacy. Shields demonstrated a high-frequency ability to enter games with runners on base and neutralize threats with a heavy sinker that felt like a bowling ball to opposing hitters.
Between 2004 and 2008, authoring a five-year run of volume that was essentially unprecedented for a setup man. He showed a high-caliber stamina by appearing in at least 60 games in each of those seasons, exceeding 70 appearances in three consecutive years from 2005 to 2007. He was a tactical weapon for Mike Scioscia, often pitching multiple innings to protect a lead. This high-volume output turned him into a perennial secret weapon, as he consistently finished near the top of the league in holds and relief innings pitched.
Shoelds played until 2010, retiring as a career Angel. Over his career, Shields accumulated 21 Saves and had 114 Games Finished.