Red Sox not concerned with David Price’s postseason record

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David Price’s postseason resume didn’t deter the Boston Red Sox from signing him to a record contract, nor should it have.

Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Well this is going to be a bit awkward when the Boston Red Sox arrive in Fort Myers for spring training and Clay Buchholz hands newcomer David Price one of his custom made “He’s the ace” tee-shirts.

Unlike last spring when everyone was worried about who was going to lead this pitching staff, there’s no longer any doubts about who the ace is for the Red Sox. It’s Price, who will be signed to the most lucrative contract ever given to a pitcher.

The ace is the guy that is handed the ball on Opening Day, which is a role Price is well accustomed to. He’s expected to be the workhorse of the staff, which is no problem for a pitcher that has tossed 200+ innings in five of the last six seasons and hasn’t made fewer than 27 starts since he was a rookie in 2009. He also has to produce over the course of those outings, which Price does as well as almost anyone. The lefty has a career 3.09 ERA and 8.6 K/9 rate, while just having completed a season in which he led the league with a 2.45 ERA. You want the top pitcher in your rotation to at least be in the running for some hardware, but rest assured that Price is a former Cy Young winner that has finished second in the voting two other times, while earning five All-Star appearances.

The ace is also the one that you want on the mound in Game 1 of a playoff series, which is what has caused some to hesitate when it comes to Price. The 30-year old hasn’t had the most accomplished postseason history, which seems problematic to a fan base that craves championships.

Dave Dombrowski knows David Price fairly well, having seen him perform up close in the playoffs during their time together with the Detroit Tigers. Clearly he’s not concerned with how Price will perform and neither should you. Here’s why.

Next: Wins don't tell the full story