Boston Red Sox Round Table: Which free agent pitcher is the best fit?
By Sean Penney
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: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Loper: Out of these three free agents, I’d have to go with Price. I worry about Greinke’s head and Cueto’s arm (or shoulder to be precise). Price is a proven workhorse who has experience in the AL in general, and more specifically the AL East. He may struggle in postseason starts, but you still need an ace to get you there. He’ll give you 30 plus starts.
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Rick McNair: Price is like Uber. He’ll get you from point A to point B quickly and efficiently. But once you are at point B (playoffs) you are on your own – just like the Uber driver going away. Cueto has a chance to raise his stock in the Word Series. Greinke has been good in the postseason, but not great. What the Red Sox are looking for is the next Curt Schilling, who gets you there and then goes to the next step.
Sean: The biggest concern with Price seems to be his postseason track record, but are his struggles a bit overblown? It’s been well documented that he hasn’t won any of his career postseason starts (2-7, with both wins coming in relief appearances), while his 5.12 ERA certainly isn’t appealing. However, his strikeout rate is in line with his regular season numbers and his walk rate actually improves in the playoffs. His bloated ERA is heavily influenced by a 7-run shellacking at the hands of the Red Sox in 2013, while some of his losses have been of the hard-luck variety. We all know that postseason glory is all that really matters in the hearts of Red Sox Nation, but is Price not being a proven winner in October a reason to pass on him this winter?
Drew Peabody: Regarding the criticisms leveled at Price, I think the fact remains that this guy is at the top of his game right now no matter what his postseason numbers show. You have to get to the postseason and Price is the guy to do that. His 2.45 ERA in 2015 with his team in the pennant race speaks volumes.
Next: Doubting Cueto?