In a rehab start for the class-A St. Lucie Mets, Pedro Martinez had to be pleased with his outing against the Vero Beach Devil Rays - 6 innings pitched, 4 hits, 2 runs and six strikeouts. But he did take the loss … and that was largely because the opposing pitcher, Rays’ 2007 1st overall pick David Price, was that much better. Price went 6 innings as well, blanking the Mets and allowing just 2 hits while striking out 9 in just his second pro start. He earned significant postgame praise from the veteran Martinez, who was awestruck at Price’s performance.
“He’s amazing, that kid. He’s amazing. That kid is very mature for his time and very talented. Oh my God. God bless him and keep him healthy.”
Comparing Price to himself at that stage of his career:
“He’s a big lefty with superb talent. At that age, I don’t think I was like that. He seems far superior.”
Differences in physical stature and hand preference, of course, duly noted …
On Price’s approach to the St. Lucie hitters:
“That kid did a hell of a job of throwing first-pitch strikes and pounding the strike zone and jamming hitters. I was watching that. He did it like a big leaguer. He had such a command. Right there, I’m challenging you. I’m going to do what I gotta do without any fear. That’s the kind of talent you love to see.”
Price was flattered, and rightfully so, when told of Martinez’s kind words:
“That’s definitely a big compliment coming from Pedro Martinez. That definitely does mean a lot to me. Hopefully I could face him in the big leagues one day.”
Martinez, surely in the twilight of his career (though he has recently said he would like to pitch at least this season and next) can only hope to return to the Mets next week and help them get back on track after a tumultous start to the year. Price, on the other hand, is just getting started, while his parent club rolls along atop the Major League standings.
In a season full of positives thus far for the Rays, Price’s immediate progress in his first two professional starts is just gravy. With no pressing need to rush him along, the 6′4″ lefty has the luxury of moving slowly through the minor leagues, adding invaluable confidence along the way.
While Pedro sees the light at the end of his big league tunnel, David Price is just beginning his journey.
If his first two starts are any indication, that Price v. Pedro matchup he wished for (schedule-maker permitting, of course) might not be all that far-fetched.
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Last post (s) by Art Vandelay
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Tags: David Price, Mets, Pedro Martinez, Rays
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7 Responses to “Pedro Praises Price”
Posted: 05/29/08 at 5:35 am
Past and present collide eh? Hey, Lighting fan? Grr, have to admit, as a Senators fan I am envious that they took the Cup ahead of the Sens..you know, given there expansion cousins.
Posted: 05/29/08 at 7:23 am
Oh and we certainly thought the Sens were a lot closer than they really were last year, didn’t we?
Fear not … I’m sure that not THAT far off … and, if it’s any consolation, they’re significantly closer to a Cup now than the Bolts are (Stamkos or no Stamkos.)
Thanks for reading!
Posted: 05/29/08 at 7:30 am
Price is going to be fun to watch over the next few years. If the Rays are still in the mix of things come August, I definitely think we’ll see Price pitching some important innings. Possibly out of the pen (ala Billingsley, Chamberlain, Santana, etc.) to keep his innings down.
Posted: 05/29/08 at 8:09 am
The thing that’s awesome about Tampa is the fact that they have a plethora of talented pitching prospects in the minors who aren’t named David Price.
1. Jacob McGee (AA)
2. Wade Davis (AA)
3. Jeremy Hellickson (AA)
4. Jeff Niemann (AAA)
5. Eduardo Morlan, out right now with a sore shoulder. Came over in the Delmon Young deal.
The interesting part is that these prospects are already in the high minors. Considering that Kazmir was just signed long-term and the team will have Garza under their control through his arbitration years. This team is looking ridiculously good for the next 5-10 years.
Posted: 05/29/08 at 8:42 am
Im interested in seeing McGee and Davis. I hear that either could be plugged into a closers role now and do the job. However both will get a shot to start, and I’ll be surprised if one of them don’t at least stick, McGee moreso than Davis though.
Posted: 05/30/08 at 7:32 am
I watched Price dominate last year at Vandy. Barring any arm problems, he is going to be a force for the Rays. If they don’t mess it up the Rays could be really good for awhile. Of course drawing 10K fans a game isn’t good for business, especially when most of them are at least 70 years old.
Posted: 06/06/08 at 6:21 am
Hey Jon, crazy brawl last night, Coco was being an idiot for sure but the Rays painted themselves in a bad light I think with Crawford, supposedly the face of the franchise, down in the pile giving rabbit punches. I guess they were like the kid brother who couldn’t take getting picked on all the time!