Pedro Martinez expects big things from David Price.
Price, who signed a seven-year, $217 million contract with the Boston Red Sox last week, is a proven major leaguer, having already earned five All-Star selections and an American League Cy Young award. It doesn’t mean Price is done improving, though, as Martinez thinks the 30-year-old ace could take things to another level with his new organization.
“This is one of the guys that you can say at 30 years old, he still has space to grow,” Martinez told MLB.com last week at David Ortiz’s Celebrity Golf Classic in the Dominican Republic. “I’m extremely excited to have him because I know when we all get together and we start talking pitching, he’s got another little ceiling to go to.
“I’m extremely excited to actually plan together what he’s going to do and what I’m going to do and what we’re going to do as an organization. I hope he feels comfortable, honestly, because I like him a lot.”
Price, who was the first overall pick in the 2007 draft, developed into a legitimate front-line starter during his six-plus seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays. He since has continued his success with the Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays. Now, the left-hander will face his biggest challenge yet, as he’ll be asked to thrive in a big market with huge expectations after signing a record-setting contract.
No big deal, says Pedro.
“He’s smart enough to know that the media is always going to be asking questions, especially with the contract,” Martinez told MLB.com. “I think he’s really emotional when it comes to the game, and he’s very passionate, just like the Boston fans.
“He’s a lot of fun, too,” the Hall of Famer added. “So the Boston fans are going to really embrace him. Not only that, but he’s such a great guy in the community and so easy to handle. He’s nice to everybody. I think he’s going to get what Boston can give you — Pedro-like treatment — and I think he will perform as well.”
Martinez knows a thing or two about embracing the pressure that comes with pitching in Boston. If Price handles himself half as well as the former Red Sox ace, Boston will be quite pleased with its new No.1 starter.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@CBSSportsMLB
