Free Agents the Red Sox need to pass on
By Rick McNair
Oct 23, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher David Price throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning in game six of the ALCS at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
What is not to like about David Price? Price is now ready for the ultimate cash-in with a projected contract that may touch onto 7/200M. Price is certainly the real deal with performance as a former Cy Young Award winner and a pitcher of remarkable durability.
What stands out with Price is 6-1 and a 1.95 ERA – that represents his Fenway Park record in 11 starts. Price knows the American League East and doesn’t get rattled unless, of course, it is when it really counts – the playoffs! A 2-7 record and 5.22 ERA does not bring up visions of Curt Schilling (11-2, 2.30) when the big game is on the line. Maybe some of my negativity towards such an obvious talent is rooted in the rivalry between Boston and Tampa Bay?
The long term game with Price is the potential years committed and how that lines up with the Boston roster and talent pipeline. Rick Porcello and Wade Miley are signed. The promising Henry Owens is controllable, as is Brian Johnson. The minors have a few names that are beginning to surface and Eduardo Rodriguez may actually be a potential ace, so with young talent I will admit to having a “Binky factor” in allowing as much developmental space as possible. Yes, I would prefer short in years and high in money or possibly trading some prospect stash for a young, signed and controllable ace. I would pass on Price over the potential years required to sign him and for this gnawing feeling that something is just not right about it – the science of doubt.