The Price is Not Right
Submitted by lester’s legends sports blog
He was good enough to lean on in the ALCS, but Tampa Bay decided that David Price should start the season in Triple-A.
He had a 1.93 ERA, 1.93 WHIP, and .176 BAA in five regular season appearances and a 1.59 ERA in five postseason appearances. The Rays claim they want to send him down to the Minors so the can monitor the number of Innings he pitches. Last time I checked, the Rays had that same ability on their Big League ballclub. Price allowed one run in 8-1/3 Innings this Spring, so the move wasn’t so he could work on his mechanics.
It appears that economics are playing a bigger part in the decision than anything. Francisco Liriano made a similar claim last year about the Twins. Price didn’t express his displeasure, but he didn’t have to. He was pleased with his changeup and was ready to live up to his #1 pick.
Time will tell how long they’ll keep Price down, but if Jason Hammel and/or Jeff Niemann struggle, Price could get an early call-up. Alternatively, if Scott Kazmir or one of the other starters suffer and injury, Price could get the nod.
So what to do with Price? You still have to draft him and you still have to hang on to him. He’s got far to0 much talent to leave hanging around the waiver wire. You just have to lower your expectations a little
