Chowder and Champions
Fansided

Red Sox ALDS Preview: Five Players Who Can’t Buckle Under Pressure

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

Oct 2, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Fans hold signs during the fifth inning in honor of Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) in a game agains the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Fans hold signs during the fifth inning in honor of Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) in a game agains the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Red Sox
Sep 7, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher David Price (24) pitches during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

David Price

Rick Porcello has been given the nod to start Game 1, but that doesn’t take the pressure off of David Price. The $217million dollar man needs to prove now more than ever that he can win the big game.

Though Price has bounced back to have a pretty solid season for the Red Sox, he failed to deliver in his last start.  The lefty had a shaky outing against the New York Yankees in a game which the team had an opportunity to clinch the division.  As unacceptable as the performance was to Price himself, it put some doubt that Price could come through in the big game.

In the postseason, Price has a 5.12 ERA in 14 appearances.  Just a season ago, he lost Game 1 of the Division Series while with the Toronto Blue Jays and Game 2 of the ALCS against the Kansas City Royals.  He gave up five runs in each of those games.  A repeat of those performances and the Red Sox will have a tough time winning any series.

Next: Patriots Played ‘With a Chip’ On Their Shoulders All Season

If David Price becomes the ace who has dominated in past regular seasons, get the champagne ready.

Honorable mentions:  Third Baseman Travis Shaw, center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr., Pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez, Reliever Koji Uehara and Catcher Sandy Leon.

Home/Boston Red Sox