On Baseball: Paying the Price
According to a published report, 41.9 percent of the baseball players selected in the first round of the amatuer draft between 1965 and 2003 never played a game in the major leagues. Another 16.2 percent had big league careers that lasted less than a full season.
A player selected in the first round of the NFL or NBA draft is expected to play that year for his team. For several reasons much more guesswork is involved when it comes to selecting future major league and NHL players.
The Tampa Bay Devil Rays used the first pick in last month's draft to select Vanderbilt left-hander David Price. It would be surprising only if Price doesn't become an accomplished big league pitcher.
The 6-foot-6, 225-pound Price was dominant for the Commodores this year. He compiled an 11-1 record with a 2.63 earned run average. Price's strikeout totals are staggering. He fanned 194 in only 133<+>1<+>/<->3<-> innings, which led the nation and is the second-highest total in Southeastern Conference history. LSU's Ben McDonald (202) set the record in 1989. Price also demonstrated remarkable control, issuing only 31 walks.
Price was undefeated until he lost his final outing of the season. He was called upon to pitch in relief in a NCAA regional final game against Michigan last month. On two days rest, Price permitted one run and one hit in 1 1/3 innings, but it was enough to earn the loss.
Last summer, Price led the United States to the gold medal in the World University Championships in Cuba. In eight starts for the U.S., Price was 5-1 with a stunning 0.20 ERA.
Since the conclusion of the collegiate season, Price has earned three major postseason awards given to the amateur or college player of the year, including the Golden Spikes Award, the Dick Howser Trophy and the Brooks Wallace Award.
Since blossoming into a star during his freshman season at Vanderbilt, the Murfreesboro, Tenn. product has been in the spotlight. Price was projected to possibly be the top pick in the MLB draft two years ago, but he didn't let hype hamper him.
"I tried not to let things bother me that I couldn't control," said Price during a conference call. "I went into the season with the goal that baseball was still going to be fun for me, and that's exactly what happened."
In part because he's not represented by super agent Scott Boras, the Devil Rays are hopeful that it won't be too long before Price is signed to a contract.
"I know that I'm going to have to spend some time in the minor leagues," said Price. "There is a world of difference between college hitters and major league hitters. I still have a lot to learn.
"I'm a very competitive person, whether it's school, baseball or even playing video games. I'm eager to get started."
Price possesses an overpowering fastball, a quality slider and a good, but not exceptional change-up. Since he's projected to be a top-of-the-rotation starter, Price will need to develop at least another pitch if he's going to have sustained success at the major league level.
"Last year my slider was my out pitch," said Price. "I relied on my fastball more this year. I used my slider to set up my fastball. I threw my change-up only when I thought I really had to. When I needed to get an out I usually threw my fastball."
While he was growing up in Tennessee, Price was an avid Atlanta Braves fan. Although he was a pitcher, Price's favorite all-time player is former outfielder David Justice.
"I'm very happy to be drafted by the Devil Rays," said Price. "They have a lot of good young players. I'm not sure when it will be, but I'm looking forward to getting the opportunity to pitch for them."
Only once in its previous nine seasons has Tampa Bay not finished in last place. If Price eventually performs up to expectations, the Devil Rays might finally become a bonafide major league team.
Art Davidson is a MetroWest Daily News (Framingham, Mass.) staff writer. He can be reached at 508-626-4403 or adavidson@cnc.com.