TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Maddon: Optioning Price 'The Right Thing'

ADVERTISEMENT

By TONY FABRIZIO | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 26, 2009

PORT CHARLOTTE — Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon said after Wednesday night's game against the Pirates that telling pitcher David Price he was being optioned to Triple-A Durham wasn't difficult.

"Quite frankly, when you think you're doing the right thing, you just tell him the truth," he said.

Maddon said Price took the news "like the professional he is. He didn't say a whole lot. I'm sure he wasn't pleased with it. I'm sure he's internalizing a lot of stuff right now, and quite frankly, if the situation was reversed, I'd probably feel the same way he does. But he's a respectful man, he's a pro, and I know he's going to do the right things by it."

Echoing executive vice president Andrew Friedman's explanation earlier, Maddon said starting Price in the minors will make it easier for the Rays to limit his innings, which could make him available for important work late in the year if the Rays are making another postseason run. He also restated his belief Price could benefit from more development, saying he would like to see better fastball command to go with his improving changeup and slider.

"I feel very comfortable with this, because I know if he gets on a roll down there and gets confidence in where he's throwing his fastball, heads up when he shows up here," Maddon said of the decision.

Outfielder Justin Ruggiano was among four other players optioned to Durham, and Maddon indicated that doesn't necessarily mean veteran infielder Adam Kennedy has made the team as a non-roster invitee. Besides some other variables, Maddon is intrigued with outfielder Matt Joyce, who started his spring work late because of lower leg tendinitis.

"I want to see more of Matt," Maddon said. "I think he looks exceptional at the plate right now. I'm really becoming enamored with his swing, actually. We've got see him on defense."

Joyce will start in center field tomorrow against Detroit after hitting into a bases-loaded double-play tonight.

"From my perspective, I like the approach a lot," Maddon said of Joyce at the plate. "I like the bat speed; I like the hand action. He's going to be a special hitter."

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT