John Farrell on David Price-Dennis Eckersley drama: ‘We have moved on’
Since returning to the pitching rotation on Memorial Day, David Price’s antics off the field appear to be garnering more attention than his performance on the mound. The pitcher, who is 5-3 with a 3.82 ERA, went off on the Boston media in June—telling one reporter to “write whatever the [expletive] you want” before yelling “[Expletive] them! [Expletive] them all.”
His contentious relationship with local outlets has only escalated, as reports detailing an in-person confrontation with NESN broadcaster Dennis Eckersley recently emerged.
According to The Boston Globe’s Dan Shaughnessy, Price taunted Eckersley while on a team flight because of comments the announcer had made about fellow pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez. Per Shaughnessy:
For Price, the tipping point came when he learned Eckersley said “Yuck” when Eduardo Rodriguez’s poor stats were flashed on the NESN screen after a rehab start in Pawtucket June 29.
On the day of the episode, Price was standing near the middle of the team aircraft, surrounded by fellow players, waiting for Eckersley. When Eckersley approached, on his way to the back of the plane (Sox broadcasters traditionally sit in the rear of the aircraft), a grandstanding Price stood in front of Eckersley and shouted, “Here he is — the greatest pitcher who ever lived! This game is easy for him!”
When a stunned Eckersley tried to speak, Price shot back with, “Get the [expletive] out of here!”
Many players applauded.
After his next start following the outburst, an unfazed Price said that he was sticking up for his teammate and is fine with whatever backlash he catches for that. Neither Price nor general manager John Farrell have reportedly apologized to Eckersley.
Farrell was asked about the incident before Monday night contest’s between the Red Sox and Seattle Mariners. While he gave no firm indication as to whether or not Eckersley has or will ultimately receive an apology, the manager said that he has maintained a professional relationship with the broadcaster and that the team has “moved on.”
“Here’s the thing,” Farrell said, via audio played Tuesday morning on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Toucher & Rich show. “After the incident we obviously met with David. That was handled internally. Since then I’ve had multiple interactions with Eck. My relationship with Eck is certainly professional. But we have moved on from that. And we’re focused on winning games.”
Despite the heightened conversation regarding his actions, Price does not appear to be bothered by the buzz. According to Mass Live’s Jen McCaffrey, the Red Sox had ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption airing in the clubhouse. When second baseman Dustin Pedroia pointed out to Price that they were talking about his spat with Eckersley, Price responded: “Oh cool!”
https://twitter.com/jcmccaffrey/status/889619789227974658
