OK, Jeopardy! fans: Robb Nen and David Price.Stumped?
The correct question is: "Who are the last two pitchers to get the final out of a postseason series and not open the next season in the major leagues?"
The Tampa Bay Rays sent Price to Triple-A Wednesday, giving the stud prospect more time to develop as they go with Jason Hammel or Jeff Niemann in the final rotation spot.
Price, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 draft, will be back up soon. He showed his poise and stuff in getting the final outs of the ALCS against Boston, and there's no keeping him down long.
Executive VP Andrew Friedman said the Rays came into spring training with an "open mind" about Price, but made the move for the reasons that have been talked about - that he needs addtional development, specifically in terms of fastball command and pitch efficiency, and also because they want to limit his innings this season, and it's easier to do so at the Triple-A level.This also gives Tampa Bay time to trade Hammel or Niemann without rushing into a deal just to open a spot.
The idea is that they want him to be available to pitch late in the season, and potentially the postseason, and, essentially, are willing to go without him in the early part of the season.
"We ultimately decided this is the right move for David and in turn the organization,'' Friedman said. "We're able to monitor his workload a lot more effectively in the minor leagues than in the major leagues, and we want him fully able in August and September. ... We have expectations of playing in October and we feel like we'll be a better team with David as a part of that, and also continuing to work on the developmental things as well.''
Price said he expected the move and considers it "part of the game," though he did acknowledge: "Right now it kind of stinks a little bit.''By the way, Nen got the final out of a 2002 NL Division Series and retired after the Giants lost the World Series.
