David Price on Boston: ‘This is a place that wins’
David Price expects to win plenty of games in October, and knows that Boston is a place that expects the same.
The Red Sox welcomed Price to Boston with an introductory press conference on Friday just hours after officially announcing that the coveted left-handed pitcher had signed a seven-year contract with the team. The deal is reportedly worth $217 million, the richest contract for a pitcher in MLB history. In front of a media contingent at Fenway Park, the 30-year-old pitcher spoke glowingly of the Red Sox’ past success and future potential.
“This is a place that has winning in their history,’’ Price said. “I definitely think they have winning in their future. They want to win. They know how to win. We’re extremely young and that’s what I want to be a part of. I want to be a part of a team that is as young as we are, and that can stay young the way that we can, just to be around those guys, to help them, to be a part of something like this.’’
Price, the runner-up for the American League’s Cy Young Award in 2015 and the winner of that prize in 2012, went on to talk about success of Boston’s other professional teams as well as the attitude of local fans.
“The passion from the fans, the passion from the community, this is a place that has winning in their blood. And not just with the Red Sox, obviously with what the Patriots are capable of doing, the Bruins, Celtics, this is a place that wins. This is a place that expects to win. That’s what I want to be a part of. I’m very thankful for it. I’m thankful for my family to be able to make it out to this. I’m excited. I am. I’m thrilled. I’m happy to be a Red Sock, and I’m ready to help this organization, this city win.’’
Price, who has compiled a 104-56 regular-season record with 1,372 strikeouts and a 3.09 ERA over his first eight MLB seasons spent with the Tampa Bay Rays, Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays, was asked about his lackluster postseason history. The five-time All-Star selection has a 2-7 record with a 5.12 ERA in 14 career playoff games.
“I think I was just saving all my postseason wins for the Red Sox. I think you guys will enjoy those,’’ Price said. “I know good things are going to happen to me in October, and that just hasn’t been the case thus far. I know those times are going to change.’’
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com