David Price defeated his demons during the Boston Red Sox World Series run, now it’s time for him to completely win over the fans of Boston.
Redemption was the road traveled for Boston Red Sox pitcher David Price in 2018. The left-handed veteran not only bounced back during the regular season to put up solid numbers, he overcame his playoff demons to help the Sox win the 2018 World Series.
In all, Price’s 16-7 record and 3.58 ERA during the regular season was impressive considering the way he started the season.
Suffering a “mild case” of carpal tunnel syndrome early in the season, Price came under scrutiny when it was speculated that the cause of the injury was due to his continual obsession with the video game “Fortnite.”
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While Red Sox manager Alex Cora put an end to that speculation, it didn’t stop the ridicule in the media. Once again, David Price’s overall commitment to winning in Boston was put in question.
However, Price was able to bounce back with some solid starts during the season that brought reminders of his Cy Young ability. But, his lack of effectiveness against the rival New York Yankees brought doubt that Price could win in big games, particularly in the playoffs.
With his bumpy relationship with the media and fans, the playoffs would be the only redemption for David Price and he delivered.
Following a shaky performance in his first start against the Yankees in the ALDS, Price bounced back to get his first postseason victory against the Houston Astros in the ALCS and won two games in the World Series, including the clinching Game 5 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Not only did he display extreme heart during the Boston Red Sox championship run, he showed he could win in the postseason, be a leader and demonstrated that he wanted to play in Boston by choosing to “opt” in to the remaining 4 years of his $217 million contract with the team.
Yes, David Price will be in a Red Sox uniform through 2022. To continue building a positive career in the city of Boston, here are three goals for the lefty in the 2019 MLB regular season.
Continue to build relationship with fans
When players perform and help their teams win championships, Boston sports fans will have a love affair with that player.
Consider David Price that person you don’t think you are going to like during the first date but grows on you.
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In part, Price’s spat with former Red Sox pitcher and current part-time color commentator Dennis Eckersley made Price a player fans wanted to run out of town. With his large contract and not living up to Cy Young expectations, the run in with Eck made the veteran lefty the antagonist in that situation.
But, even with that, Boston Red Sox fans definitely wanted to like and support Price. That showed in the ALCS when the Fenway Park crowd gave him a standing ovation after he pitched solid against the Houston Astros in the eventual Game 2 victory.
He didn’t qualify for his first postseason win, but the effort was appreciated by fans, especially after he was booed off the field after he struggled in the Game 2 loss to the New York Yankees in the ALDS. That showed how much fans will support a player when they know the passion to compete is there.
David Price further displayed that passion in the World Series with his dominate pitching performance. That effort has certainly won him over on fans and in 2019 he must continue to build that relationship.
When the fans are behind you, it makes success as a Boston athlete even more sweet.
Beat the New York Yankees
If David Price is going to completely win fans over, he is going to have to get the New York Yankees out of his head.
Prior to joining the Boston Red Sox, the veteran lefty didn’t do too bad against the heated rivals. He posted a 13-7 record with a 4.04 ERA in 30 career starts against the Pinstripes. Not Cy Young numbers, but certainly not as dismal as he has been against New York since sporting a Red Sox uniform.
Not sure if it’s a mental thing or whether he is caught up in the historical rivalry, but the Yankees has become his daddy. In eight regular season starts, he has a lofty 7.71 ERA against the Bronx Bombers while posting 2-7 record.
That trend simply cannot continue against a team many experts predict will win the AL East in 2019.
What does he need to do to get that monkey off his back?
Take the mound with more confidence against the power New York Yankees lineup. Come after Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and those boys with his best stuff. Most importantly, find a way to solve Gary Sanchez.
The Yankees catcher is 7-for-14 against Price with six home runs. That includes a home run in Game 2 of the ALDS between the two clubs.
Lead with solid pitching
Now that David Price has won in the playoffs, his main goal in 2019 (besides pitching well against the Yankees) is to continue being a leader with solid pitching.
With a starting rotation of Chris Sale, Price, Nathan Eovaldi, Rick Porcello and Eduardo Rodriguez, a 15-win season by the lefty would meet expectations and should put the Boston Red Sox in good position to compete.
Of course, it all depends on the health of Sale, Rodriguez and David Price himself. When health, Price has proven he can still be a top of the rotation starter in the league. His focus, energy, and most importantly winning can help both stabilize and motivate the production of a pitcher like Eduardo Rodriguez.
Now that the Boston Red Sox have won a World Series with Price as a main contributor, maybe, just maybe this will be the year he has his best season with the Sox. By best season, he doesn’t have to win 20, but an ERA around 3.00 and at least 30 starts will give the team a chance to win most games he pitches.