SHIELDS HAS BEEN DEVIL RAYS' HERO HART GRAD THRIVING WITH TAMPA BAY.

Byline: HEATHER GRIPP

Staff Writer

ANAHEIM - When the New York Yankees play in Tampa Bay next week, Jamie Shields plans to use the opportunity to seek out Roger Clemens in hopes of getting a few minutes to chat with the future Hall of Fame pitcher.

"He can be a hard guy to try to find to talk to," Shields said. "So I haven't gotten to do that yet. But I'd love to say 'hi' and maybe pick his brain a little bit."

Meeting his childhood hero is about all that's left to make the year an even better one for Shields, the Hart High of Newhall graduate whose first full season in the major leagues is winding down as a member of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Shields, a 25-year-old right-hander, is Tampa Bay's second-leading pitcher in wins and ranks among the American League leaders in strikeouts. He is undefeated in his past sixstarts, giving him a 12-8 record and 3.85 ERA on a team that has the worst record in the majors. He was scheduled to start today against the Angels, but learned Tuesday that he is being shut down for the remainder of the season.

"I feel pretty happy with what I've been doing," Shields said. "I'm completely satisfied. I think individually I've reached all the goals I set for myself this year.

"I expect a lot of things out of myself. I think a lot of the players around the big leagues expect a lot out of themselves. When you do the things you expect, it's a great feeling. It basically shows how hard you've been working."

His main goals were to average at least two wins a month --a total of 12 for the season -- and pitch at least 200innings. He has thrown a staff-high 215innings this season, the third-highest total in the AL.

Shields prides himself on the durability he has gained from an intense offseason workout program in Las Vegas, and the payoff has been evident as some of his best games have been late in the season. In his last start he held Seattle to oneearned run on four hits in eight innings but did not get a decision. He has a 2.35 ERA in the past month.

Shields says he's just trying to keep up with staff ace Scott Kazmir and explains his hot streak by giving credit to teammates.

"It's just one of those things," Shields said. "The past twomonths our team's been hitting unbelievable. We're one of the hottest teams of the second half. At the beginning of the season it was a little different. ... We've been on a nice streak, and I've been lucky enough to pitch on the right days."

By now the Devil Rays expect an impressive performance anytime Shields takes the mound.

"The tougher the situation, the tougher he gets," Tampa Bay manger Joe Maddon said of Shields, who became the first player in franchise history to begin his career 4-0 when he was promoted to the majors in May of last year.

The positives haven't been limited to his performance on the field. Shields was nominated by his teammates for the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award, which recognizes off-field contributions to the community in addition to a player's value to their team.

He has more to look forward to in the offseason -- he is scheduled to get married Nov. 3.

"It's been a good year," Shields said.

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2 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) Jamie Shields, a Hart of Newhall product, is 12-8 this season with a 3.85 ERA, and hasn't lost in more than a month.

Kevin P. Casey/Associated Press

(2 -- color) SHIELDS