Price: Major League Ready

In the first overall pick of the 2007 draft, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays selected a phenom, none other than David Price.

A very talented athlete, Price was originally selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers out of high school where he compiled an 0.43 ERA and 151 SO. He decided to attend Vanderbilt on a full scholarship. In 3 college seasons, Price was 22-10 with a 3.23 ERA and 441 SO.

The pitching experience Price had in college prepared him for the Minor Leagues, and eventually Major Legaues. The fact they he pitched at Vanderbilt cut out those long bus rides in the Minors. The college play can serve as Minor League experience.

Price breezed through the Minor Leagues. 2008 was his first year in pro ball, A+ with the Vero Beach Devil Rays. He earned an A+ with his performance. In 34.2 innings, Price went 4-0 with a 1.82 ERA. He struck out 37 batters, and had a WHIP of 1.01. He didn't allow a home run. The Rays knew they had something special in their farm, and promoted him to the Montgomery Biscuits in AA.

He continued to dominated at a higher level. In 57 innings, he went 7-0 with a 1.89 ERA and 1.02 WHIP. He struck out 55 batters and walked just 16.

Again, he was promoted to the next level. He spent 4 games in AAA with the Durham Bulls before being promoted to the Major Leagues. Price stumbled a bit posting a higher 4.50 ERA and 1.72 WHIP. However, he was striking out just as many batters as he pitched innings, and didn't allow a home run.

The Rays felt Price was ready for the Major Leagues, and was called up in September during the heat of a playoff race. Joe Maddon was not afraid to use him, as he knew there was something special about the 23 year old sensation.

He did not win a game during the regular season, but in 14 innings, he had an ERA of 1.93, striking out 12 batters. He had a WHIP of just 0.93 and batters hit just .176 off the lefty.

The Tampa Bay Rays clinched the postseason for the first time in franchise history, and Price was on the roster.

Due to injuries, the Rays did not have a regular rotation in the bullpen, thus having to piece their pen together, taking it pitch by pitch. Although a starter, Price pitched out of the bullpen since the Rays starting rotation was set.

Price made an instant impact. He won his first game of his career in the postseason in the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox.

The biggest moment of his young career came in game 7 of the ALCS. The Rays were on the verge of making the World Series, and Price was closing out the game. He closed the game, and a ground ball sent the Rays to the World Series. Without Price, they might not of done it. Price will give the Rays a better chance of repeating their 2008 season, possibly go further, by winning it all.

Overall, in the postseason, Price was 1-0 with a 1.59 ERA and 8 strikeouts over 5.2 innings. He had a WHIP of 0.86, and batters hit just .100 off him.

Price will start 2009 as a starting pitcher with the Rays, and he deserves it. The Rays had a similar situation in 2008 with Evan Longoria. Major League ready, the Rays decided to start him in the Minors, potentially saving money. If the same thing were to be done with Price, that would be a shame. They'd be missing his talent at the big league level. If money is issue, it shouldn't be. Price may be an appropriate name, because he is worth every penny.

He has proven he can pitch dominating at every level he has pitched, including the Major Leagues. While in the Major Leagues, it was not like he was doing mop up work. He dominated playoff teams.

Price has a bright future in front of him, which may contain a few Cy Young Awards.

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