Detroit Tigers 2014 Grades: David Price

In an effort to bolster their World Series chances, the Detroit Tigers acquired David Price in a last minute trade deadline deal on July 31st.  The trade was greeted with mixed reviews.  On one hand, many fans were ecstatic that the Tigers picked up one of the best pitchers in baseball.  Price would be joining a star-studded rotation with fellow Cy Young winners Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander.  However, there were also many who thought the Tigers gave up too much in the deal, sending Austin Jackson to Seattle and Drew Smyly to Tampa Bay.  Regardless of what side of the fence you were on, you had to be excited about what Price could bring to the team for the stretch run.

The transition for David Price from Tampa Bay to Detroit was not an easy one.  After spending his entire career with the Rays, it was difficult for Price to start all over in Detroit.  He summed up his thoughts in an article by Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com.

"“I spent my entire professional career with one organization and a pretty big group of teammates, and to just move on from there to a new team, city and fan base is tough to do when I put everything I have into my teammates. I felt like I was drafted all over again and was a rookie,” David Price to CBSSports.com"

Unfortunately for the Detroit Tigers, Price did not have the impact on the team that most people were expecting.  He pitched well at times, with a 3-2 record and 3.00 ERA in September.  His first month with the team was a struggle however.  Price finished the month of August with a 1-2 record and 4.41 ERA.  As a member of the Tigers in 2014, Price finished with average stats in his 11 starts.

• 4-4 record
• 3.59 ERA
• 1.146 WHIP
• 8.6 hits per nine innings

Overall, Price just did not seem comfortable in a Tigers uniform this past season.  Although he struggled at times, he was able to show some signs of returning to form during his last two starts.  In a must-win game to clinch the division, Price shutout the Twins for 7.1 innings, striking out 8 batters.  He also looked great in Game Three of the ALDS.  Price went eight innings in the game, giving up only two runs on five hits.  Hopefully the success he had in his last two starts will carry over to the start of the 2015 season.

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With the possible free-agent departure of Max Scherzer this coming offseason, the Tigers will count on David Price to settle in and have a big year in 2015.  Rumors are circulating that Detroit is attempting to lock him up long term, but many baseball experts don’t feel he will sign a long term contract just one year before he becomes a free agent.

In any case, Price will have a full offseason to acclimate to life in the Motor City and determine if he wants to spend the next chapter of his career wearing the Olde English D.  I have a feeling Price will anchor the Tigers’ rotation in 2015 and help the team make yet another run at that elusive World Series ring.

What are your thoughts on David Price’s 2014 season?  Did he live up to your expectations?  Do you feel the Tigers should sign him to a long term deal?  Please share your thoughts in the comments section.