MLB Draft Open Thread

The skinny: In 2008, Price has put up an ERA of 3.65 in 44 1/3 innings, striking out 50 while walking 24. He started one game, and appeared in 26 others as a reliever. He gave up just two home runs.

ESPN.com says: “Price wasn’t on any preseason prospect lists after throwing just 10.1 ineffective innings in 2007, posting a 7.84 ERA. His performance this year has still been inconsistent, but it’s worlds better than last year’s, and he has a chance to go in the first round and perhaps move into a starter’s role in pro ball. Price has a solid two-pitch repertoire with a chance to add a third if his changeup improves. His fastball sits 93-94 mph with plus life, and he has reportedly touched 97 in a few short outings this year. His slider flashes plus, with good tilt and a short break, but his changeup is below-average, perhaps because he rarely uses it in a short-relief role. His arm works well with a short path that he repeats well, so there’s good reason to think he’ll develop better command and control down the road. One possible appeal to teams considering Price as a starter is the low mileage on his arm, as he has thrown just 40 innings total in 2007, including a very successful stint as a swingman in the Texas Collegiate League (29.2 innings, 49 strikeouts, 14 walks). On the downside, his arm is a little stiff coming around his body, and when he throws at the top end of his velocity his head snaps downward at release, which usually points towards a relief role or a chiropractor’s table.”

The Baseball Analysts say: “Price had made some strides this season and could be one of the first college relievers taken on draft day. He has a nice sinking fastball that ranges from 89-94 mph. His slider can zip up to 87 mph but his change-up is below average, as is his command. Some teams may see enough in his three pitches to try him as a starter in pro ball. (Posted by Marc Hulet) Price was dialing his fastball up to 94-95 when I witnessed him in Long Beach a few months back. His slider is also a potential out pitch. I believe the big righthander projects as a two-pitch set-up man in the pros although, like Marc, would not be surprised if a team gives him a shot as a starter first.”

Soxprospects.com says: “Price languished for two years deep in the Rice bullpen, but has emerged this spring with a 95 mph fastball and mid 80s slider. His command can be erratic at times, mainly with his fastball.”

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/2008_redsox_drafttracker/