Price throws BP, ready for extended spring start
Top pick LHP David Price (left elbow) said he felt good after another live batting practice session Tuesday, mixing in his entire repertoire in a 40-pitch stint to hitters at the minor league facility in St. Petersburg.
Price practiced going up-and-down, taking a few minute break in the dugout between his two 20-pitch sessions, simulating a live game. Though Price said he's still a little "scared" to throw at 100-percent strength, the pitches he's thrown, "aren't causing any pain, so that's a good sign."
Price said he's planning to pitch Friday in an extended spring game, the first of three-to-four outings there before his first start at Class-A Vero Beach. The 22-year-old had performed well in spring, including his dazzling debut against the Yankees in Tampa, but was sidelined in late March when he suffered a muscle strain in his left elbow.
Price's last start was June 1, 2007, when he pitched for Vanderbilt in the NCAA Tournament.
"It's been a long time," Price said. "I'm ready to get back out there."
-- JOE SMITH
[James Borchuck, Times archives]
Follow Tampa Bay Rays baseball from spring training to the World Series with Marc Topkin, Joe Smith and the St. Petersburg Times sports staff. From Evan Longoria to B.J. Upton and Scott Kazmir, we're your source for Tampa Bay Rays scores and schedules.
We are all frustrated with Red Sox/Yankee fans invading our home stadium. Vacationer’s that come to the Bay area, and enjoy our beautiful beaches, and also get to see their hometown team are always welcome. That is, while they can get a ticket. It’s the transplants, the frontrunners and the band waggoner’s that drive us crazy.
They show blatant disrespect for a young, home grown team that is not only fun to watch, but an incredibly talented group that can win.
This has got to stop.
The usual position is just win; and, they will change. Honestly, I don’t think they will change – nor do I really want them to. Have you seen this cast of characters? The Rays should market to the casual fan, or the long time local. To hell with the “we love the weather” – that’s it, residents.
Either you are a part of this community or you are not.
Here is my proposal. A simple rebuttal to something we have all heard over and over for the last 10 years. With enough voices this will become our answer to one tiresome chant by a bunch of fools.
The Rays have done it the right way – and are built for the long haul, and the bigmouths are ready for the u-haul.
Idiot: “Let’s Go Red Sox”
Rays’ Fan: “Let’s Go U-Haul”
Idiot: “Let’s Go Yank-ees”
Rays’ Fan: “Let’s Go U-Haul”
The message is simple, but loud and clear. You’re here with your family? Enjoy our beautiful area, thanks for coming and spending your hard earned money.
Live here and just can’t let it go?
Move back.
Rob Ison
Saint Petersburg
rbrtison@yahoo.com
hm. 727 344 3552
Posted by: Rob | April 29, 2008 at 03:48 PM
Rob why would you put your phone number on here? tough guy.
Posted by: ben | April 29, 2008 at 04:15 PM
Why did the times take my post down? IDIOTS whats wrong with it?
Posted by: ben | April 29, 2008 at 04:19 PM
Rob, don't mean to be a kill-joy, but what's this have to do with David Price working on getting back to the mound?
Doesn't mean that I don't agree with you, but wouldn't be better to put it in an appropriate thread?
Posted by: Ray | April 29, 2008 at 05:20 PM
Couldn't agree more Rob - Post it here, post it there - post it on the fron page. Who Cares?
Take back the Trop.
Posted by: A Rays fan with an attitude | April 30, 2008 at 06:27 PM