David Price Helps Red Sox Eliminate Astros

It has been a huge struggle for former Cy Young Award winner David Price since he signed a $217 million contract that made him the highest paid pitcher in baseball. He has not lived up to the very high expectations that Red Sox fans had for him. His performance in the regular season was not nearly as good as it was before he came to Boston. However, it has been his many playoff failures that have received the lion’s share of the headlines and media attention. He has drawn the ire of fans for being a high-priced player who fades under the white hot spotlight of the playoffs.

This was the reputation of Price long before he got to Boston. His playoff performances with the Rays, Tigers and Blue Jays left a lot to be desired. However, he was able to win the love of Red Sox fans, at least for the time being, with a great performance against the Houston Astros in game five of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park. It was a moment of redemption for Price who proved to the doubters that he could pitch well in the postseason.

Price pitched six shutout innings for the best playoff start of his career. Astros ace Justin Verlander took the loss by giving up four runs in six innings. However, the box score is misleading where Verlander is concerned. He pitched much better than his final numbers indicate. It has been a huge turnaround for Price. He was once a villain. The guy all Red Sox fans loved to hate. Making as much money as he does put a target on his back. However, he is the toast of Boston after helping the Red Sox to yet another American League pennant and World Series berth.

Will Price be able to carry this great performance over into the World Series? Only time will tell. The thing that Price has going for him is that the Los Angeles Dodgers do not have as good a lineup as Houston. Therefore, it will be an easier task that awaits him in the World Series. There is one thing that is certain. If Price fails very badly in his next start in the World Series, it will erase all of the good will he has built up from his brilliant start against the Astros. Such is the life of a pro athlete in Boston.