2011 Stats (AA - Akron): 2-3, 2.79, 1.26 WHIP, .258 OBA, 2.6 BB/9, 5.7 K/9
As our cavalcade of right-handers rolls on, we come to the forgotten piece of the Victor Martinez trade. Originally selected #45 overall by the BoSox in 2008 out of Rice, Price was converted back to a reliever by the Indians organization in 2010. A right shoulder injury stranded him at AA for the second consecutive season and limited him to 28 appearances in 2011. While his strikeout numbers were down (8.3 K/9 career), Bryan posted career lows in ERA and WHIP. He recovered from a rocky start with a 1.99 ERA after April and proved himself particularly effective against RHBs, holding same-side hitters to a .209 OBA and surrendering just one gopher ball. Stuff-wise, Bryan throws a fastball that has touched 97 MPH and is consistently clocked around 93. His secondary offering is a plus slider that easily qualifies as a swing and miss pitch and was consistently utilized as a two-strike hammer. Last season's shoulder trouble limited the effectiveness of the breaking ball and resulted in the drop in strikeouts. It may, however, been a blessing in disguise as Price was forced to rely more heavily on his heater and an emerging split, developing the ability to get contact outs without his best pitch. Bryan is basically the check plus version of Matt Langwell and Langwell's future may well be tied to Price's. If Bryan can stay healthy, he will likely see time on the lake before mid-2013, throwing a roadblock in front of Langwell. Just like Matt, Bryan projects as a 7th-ish inning guy, coming on to get get three outs or to retire a specific right-handed hitter. While the ceiling is not espceially high, Price has the tools and body to become a productive big league bullpen contributor.
Up Next: #31 3B/1B Jared Goedert
