BOSTON — David Price already feels right at home.
Price, who signed a seven-year contract with the Boston Red Sox, was all smiles Friday during his introductory press conference at Fenway Park. The left-hander mentioned the woman who took his blood as part of his physical by name — he thinks he got the name correct, at least — and told of how his first day with the organization started off on a positive note.
“It’s been a good day,” Price said Friday night. “We saw a police officer over at the hospital and he was just going nuts, man. That made me feel really good. That was my first interaction with a Red Sox fan in Boston, so that definitely started my day off well.”
Price’s comfort shouldn’t come as a surprise. The five-time All-Star spent six-plus seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays, who play the Red Sox 19 times per season as American League East rivals, so it’s not like this is unfamiliar territory. He even tweeted his love for Boston during the 2014 season.
“Coming to Boston, I know my way around this city. I get on a Hubway and I just start pedaling,” Price said Friday. “That’s something I love doing. I’ll always tweet about it. Every time I come to Boston, I get my Hubway and I ride down (Newbury Street) and it was something I always did. I drive around the city. I get coffee. I can start drinking Dunkin’ (Donuts). I had some of that today.
“I’m familiar with this city and comfort comes with familiarity. For me, that’s huge. I like to be comfortable, I like to be happy and I see myself being very happy here.”
A $217 million contract is enough to make a lot of people happy. Price sounds ready to embrace his new surroundings, though, which bodes well given the expectations the city has for its athletes.
It looks like Price’s adorable niece is settling in just fine, too.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@RedSox
