David Price

David Taylor Price was born on August 26, 1985 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.  The southpaw had a remarkable high school career posting a combined 0.43 ERA and 153 strikeouts.  Price was drafted by the Dodgers after high school but chose instead to accept an academic scholarship to Vanderbilt University.

After studying and pitching for Vanderbilt for three years, Price signed a six year contract with Tampa Bay for $8.5 million which included a $5.6 million signing bonus.  Tampa Bay immediately assigned their newest acquisition to the big team in August before shipping him to their Vero Beach Class A affiliate.  In 34.2 innings pitched, Price went 4-0 with a 1.82 ERA  and 37 strikeouts.

Price made his major league debut in September 2008.  Derek Jeter homered in Price’s relief appearance.  His first major league start was against Baltimore and resulted in a no-decision.  He gained his first victory in the 2nd game of the ALCS against the Boston Red Sox.  He also recorded his first save getting the final four outs in game seven against the Sox.

In 2009, Price earned a spot in the starting rotation and had a successful rookie season, going 10-7 in his 23 starts.  His rookie season was a premonition of good things to come.  His 96 mph running fastball is especially effective against right handed hitters, but  Price’s money pitch is his sharp slider.

Price is embroiled in a tight pennant race and also in the running for the Cy Young Award.  He will not get 20 wins in 2010, but his 179 strikeouts and 2.84 ERA are impressive stats that cannot be overlooked.  The 2010 All Star has quickly become a superstar in the league and anchors one of the strongest pitching staffs in the majors.  When Price takes the mound, his team expects to win and they play like it.

DAVID PRICE CAREER STATS