Red Sox: Grading trades, free agent signings of Dave Dombrowski
By Rick McNair
DAVID PRICE SIGNING
David Price had spent his career with Tampa Bay before being traded to Detroit since there was no way that noted parsimonious Rays franchise would shell out the money needed to keep him. The Red Sox had a unique opportunity presented to them with the free agency of the left-handed hurler.
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Price already had a Cy Young Award and finished second in two other seasons. At 30-years-old Price represented a risk since pitchers do wear out and wear out quickly. Price had a long history of taking the ball consistently and racking up innings. The Red Sox simply blew the competition away with a $217 Million contract.
Last season Price did not live up to expectations – at least from my view. The record was excellent at 17-9 and Price led the American League in innings pitched. The early disappointment disappeared as in the second half of 2016 the “old” Price surfaced.
The problem came once again in the playoffs as Price apparently is someone who can get you there but then vanishes. Another start and another pounding as the Red Sox were sent packing by Cleveland. This is certainly not Curt Schilling.
Where it is now starting to crumble for this signing is an injury. The ongoing elbow miseries may be a precursor to a more serious injury that could result not in missed games, but a missed season. So far Boston has simply taken the risk and not seen the expected reward. This signing has all the indications of ending badly.
EARLY GRADE – B