After spending the majority of last season out due to injury, his infamous encounter with Dennis Eckersley, altercations with the local media, and rumors surrounding his influence on toxic clubhouse culture, Red Sox pitcher David Price has not had the best track record in Boston.
The majority of Sox fans are quick to vilify Price, but he is showing signs of major improvements in health and attitude since arriving in Fort Meyers. The lefty hopes that this year is his opportunity to turn a new leaf on and off the field.
In a news conference Tuesday, Price assured that not only has he learned from his actions, but he almost certainly will not be opting out of his contract following this season.
“I could’ve handled it better last year, absolutely. But I didn’t, and I’ve moved on,” Price said. “I feel like I’ve always been one to lead with my actions, and I didn’t do that very well last year. I know that and understand that, and I look forward to getting back and being that faucet and not being a drain.”
Price has shown glimpses of greatness on the mound, but not quite enough to justify his seven-year $217 million contract. However, the renewed health of his elbow might be the key to a successful season.
“I haven’t had one instance this offseason, whether it was playing catch or doing anything on the field, where I was like, ‘That doesn’t feel right,'” Price said.
As previously mentioned, Price stated that he does foresee an end to his career in Boston in the near future. When asked if there was any doubt he would not be with the Red Sox next season, Price responded, “No there’s not.”
Sale confident heading into Spring Training
The adjustment period for star pitcher Chris Sale is over.
Now entering his second season in Boston, Sale claims to be more comfortable with his role on the team.
“It was definitely different getting an adjustment period, getting to know everybody, getting into routines and things like that. I would like to think I got all of that under my belt, and [to] just get going this year,” Sale said. “New car smell is gone. I’m feeling good. I’m feeling normal now. Just kind of worried about baseball, and take it from there.”
Compared to last year, Sale has made significant changes to his Spring Training regimen in the hopes that the payoff will be a better season than last.
“That’s between myself, [pitching coach] Dana [LeVangie], [manager] Alex [Cora], [trainer] Brad [Pearson] and [strength and conditioning coach] Kiyoshi [Momose],” Sale said. “We’re all involved. In the training room. In the weight room. We’ve all got together and kind of talked about coming up with a formula for longevity, and building up. I think last year I came into Spring Training kind of too amped up, too ready to go, and I think we’re kind of looking for more of a gradual buildup.”
