The David Price Quandary
0-9 in his postseason career, David Price is a question mark. Only lasting an inning and two thirds against the Yankees in game two giving up three runs, Alex Cora was quick to pull David Price. The only game that the Red Sox have lost this postseason as a matter of fact. So what do the Red Sox do with David Price?
Manager Alex Cora announced that Price will be the game two starter of the ALCS against the Houston Astros due to Price’s good numbers against the team. But do you trust a guy who has a 16.20 ERA this postseason? Alex Cora does and here’s why you should.
You Can’t Get Worse Than This…Right?
Forget the fact that Price is oh fer in his postseason career. I know, easier said than done. But David Price has pitched in only two ALCS’. In 2008 with the Rays against the Red Sox and in 2015 with the Blue Jays against the eventual World Series Champions, Kansas City Royals. In five career ALCS games, he’s given up 8 runs, (all to Kansas City). And in last year’s ALDS against the Astros, Price pitched 6 and 2/3 scoreless innings in which four of those innings came in Boston’s only postseason win last year.
And this time around, you can afford to throw away a game if you need to. Pitching him in game two isn’t actually all that bad because if he does do poorly the series is either going to be 1-1 or 0-2 and we all know that the Red Sox have a knack of coming back in series. And if he shines like he did last year against Houston, the Sox may even go up 2-0 headed to Houston.
If the Red Sox do lose this series, it won’t be because of David Price. It’ll be because the offense doesn’t hit. And if the Red Sox do get a lead, you should be more concerned about the bullpen, not David Price.
-Brian Berard (@CouchGuyBrian)
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