David Price is on a Roll

The first overall pick in last year’s Rule-IV draft is finally in pro ball after a long (due to the Rays being perfectly cautious) wait due to elbow problems. Price has done nothing but dominate hitters in the Florida State League and looks like he could be ready for the majors by August.

In three starts at High-A Vero Beach he is 2-0 and has pitched 18 innings and allowed zero runs. He has struck out 19 and walked only 2 while allowing only 8 hits (.138 BAA).

Price outdueld Pedro Martinez in a 2-0 victory in late May while Pedro was rehabbing. Pedro Martinez had nothing but respect for the young Price.

“He’s amazing, that kid. He’s amazing,” Martinez said. “That kid is very mature for his time in [the pros] and very talented.”

Pedro, seeing his talent even asked God to keep him healthy. “Oh, my God. God bless him and keep him healthy.”

With the Rays rotation set for now there is no room for Price but Price could be to the Rays what Francisco Rodriguez was to the Angels in 2002, or what Joba Chamberlain was to the Yankees last year, or if brought up to start what Jaret Wright was for the Indians in 1997.

The Rays should still be in the thick of things in September and adding Price to the roster before September would mean he is eligible for the playoffs.

This Rays team is a dangerous team that hasn’t even started hitting at it’s expected level and if you add a kid like Price with his stuff, the fact he’s a lefty, and the fact no one has hit against him, to a rotation or pen for September we all may be hearing how he is this year’s K-Rod or Joba.

Price is on a serious role and shouldn’t be rushed but if he shows he is ready the Rays will not hesitate to call him up even if their team is one of the best across the board in pitching.

Look for Price late this season or early next at the latest.

-Jonathan C. Mitchell

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