If David Price Needs to Joke About ‘Fortnite’ and Missing Another Yankees Start to Pitch Well, Then…
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
David Price continues to stick his neck out there, but he also keeps delivering on the mound. Hopefully, his newfound “heel” persona and his latest sarcastic remarks will translate to something he hasn’t found consistently: success in New York.
Price was asked after his start against the Angels last night, another strong outing, if he’s looking forward to the challenge of facing the AL East-leading Yankees at Yankee Stadium next time out.
“I don’t think I’ll be able to go, so,” Price joked. When jokingly asked if his “missed” start would be because of playing too much Fortnite, he responded “Yeah, Fortnite.”
We’ve been over this already. If Price needs to be antagonistic and crack sarcastic quips with reporters in order to be at his best on the mound, that’s great. That’s what’s best for him and the Red Sox. He’s just continuing to put his image on the line with these comments.
May 4, 2018; Arlington, TX, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher David Price watches from the dugout during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Red Sox won 5-1. (Photo Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports)
If Price lays an egg next time out against the Yanks, which will be Sunday night, it’ll be a horrible look. Not that it really matters how Price “looks” compared to his comments to the media, or whether he’s “likable”. But it does matter how he pitches. He doesn’t need to be a nice guy as long as he wins and plays well. If he doesn’t win or play well, that doesn’t help anyone.
Price is 8-6 with a 4.23 career ERA at Yankee Stadium. In four starts in the Bronx as a member of the Red Sox, he’s 0-4 with an ERA of 8.72. He has yet to prove that he can truly overcome the Yankees’ house of horrors, at this stage of his career anyway.
If he pitches like he has lately – he’s been outstanding since May 3, going 7-1 with a 2.72 ERA in his last nine starts – then he can at least momentarily shake off those demons and continue to needle reporters in the clubhouse. Once again, if that’s what works for him, then that’s what will work best for the Red Sox.
But it’s fair to note that, when it comes to pitching in the Bronx, he still has something to prove.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at [email protected].
