Detroit Tigers – Will They Win the Price is Right?

The Detroit Tigers’ odds to sign ace pitcher David Price seem to be waning as the season wages on.  “Dave Dombrowski!  Come on down, you are the next contestant on the Price is Right”.

It’s been enjoyable to watch David Price pitch and share his personality with Tigers’ fans.  He tweets avidly on Twitter and most of his passion involves his love for shoes, his dog – Astro, golf and his love for SEC baseball especially the run that his Vanderbilt Commodores just made to the College World Series.

But David Price doesn’t seem to feel at home in Detroit.

There seems to be something off about Price’s desire to stay in Detroit. He and Brad Ausmus have had several odd public  communications this year already.

In one of the latest bizarre moments of the Tigers’ underwhelming season, Price left Sunday’s game after the sixth inning and did not return to the mound in the seventh.  He pitched only 99 pitches  and didn’t come back onto the field because of a miscommunication. Price was in the locker room exercising and already out of his uniform. According to CBS Sports, teammate Justin Verlander went looking for Price and he informed Verlander, “‘No, I’m not. I have zero uniform on right now,'” said Price, who had thrown 99 pitches up to that point. He said he made no attempt to redress.

Price is probably more likely to be moved by the Tigers than signed if the Tigers continue to be out six to seven games at the end of July and the trade deadline looms.

If David Price were an author, he seems to be foreshadowing a possible move to the National League. He LOVES to hit the ball. Price tweeted to Mike Trout about this particular batting practice which can be seen by clicking here:

Let’s also not discount Price’s love to golf and warm weather. He has also said that baseball should be played in an outdoor stadium so that will discount any domed teams including his old team – Tampa Bay.

Where will David Price end up in 2016? Let’s take a look at the five top teams likely to land David Price in the Price is Right.

The 2016 free agent buyer’s market is moderately strong for starting pitchers. We have David Price, Mark Buehrle, Scott Kazmir, Johnny Cueto, Jordan Zimmerman, Zack Greinke, & Jeff Samardzija. Price and Zimmerman being the top two candidates.

So let’s look at the Top Five teams with a chance to sign David Price in the Price is Right Sweepstakes for 2016:

5.  Detroit Tigers – 10% chance

The incumbent needs to be kept on this top five list. The Detroit Tigers are in major need of retaining their ace. Justin Verlander is no longer the JV that demanded the money he earned several years ago. Anibal Sanchez has shown his vulnerability this year. The weak market for free agent pitchers, the Tigers inability to trade with a depleted minor league system and their need for an ace will see the Tigers throw A LOT of money at Price to get him to stay. The questions are 1) will money be the answer and 2) the ability to be patient for a championship be enough for Price to stay in Detroit.

3.  Washington Nationals – 45% chance

The Nationals have the payroll to be able to go after either Price or Zimmerman. They won’t be able to afford them both and will bid heavily for Price as a hedge for a possible loss of Zimmerman. Because these two are the top pitching free agent prospects, the Nationals will end up with one of them. The Nationals also have to dish out money for free agent – Doug Fister, Denard Span and Ian Desmond or their replacements.  Price would love to bat here in D.C. and a chance to pitch alongside Max Scherzer again and a chance at a World Series trophy.

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2.  San Francisco Giants – 50% chance

The Giants would love to add Price to their rotation. He would be a weapon to add to Madison Bumgarner, Chris Heston, Ryan Vogelsong and Tim Lincecum. The Giants would be more competitive against the Dodgers in their division. Price would get to bat and be near some of the best golfing in the world, but they probably won’t be able to offer him competitive money as their pitching payroll is already $60 million for 2016. But part of that $60 million is included in free agents Lincecum and Tim Hudson.

1.  St. Louis Cardinals – 70% chance

The Cardinals have payroll room to add David Price and the resume to attract him. Not only would he get to swing away, but swing for a team that is consistently dominated the National League and give the competitive Price a chance to win a World Series. The Cardinals have only $99 million in total salary allocated for 2016 of which $25 million is for pitching. This gives the Cards the bank, the resume and the bat to give to David Price.

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