Shields impressing Royals after trade from Rays

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) - Recently acquired right-hander James Shields started to impress the Kansas City Royals even before throwing his first pitch in a spring training game.

Royals manager Ned Yost recalled how a couple days earlier, Shields had watched from the bench as Bruce Chen and Luke Hochevar took their turn on the mound in a game against Milwaukee - even though starting pitchers aren't required to sit there when Kansas City plays National League teams.

Shields was the key piece of an offseason trade that also brought right-hander Wade Davis to the Royals from Tampa Bay. Kansas City gave up top prospects Wil Myers and Jake Odorizzi, and two other minor leaguers, as it sought to upgrade its weak starting rotation.

Already, Shields is showing the kind of leadership Yost wants out of the ace of his staff.