Scouts, Goodmon turn out to see Price's debut with Bulls

I think this photo speaks to the level of interest in David Price, the pitching phenom and 2007 #1 draft choice who's now one rung below the majors:

On the mound stands Price, getting ready for the wind-up. On the lower right, an ABC 11 Eyewitness News camera man. And on the lower left? Kneeling down in the gray pants and light blue dress shirt is none other than Capitol Broadcasting and Bulls head honcho Jim Goodmon, out to get a close-up look at Price playing for his team, on the field that bears his name, as the outfield wall sign shows.

I'm not exactly sure how I managed to snag the sweet Section 200 seats that gave me this vantage point last night, but it appeared to be scouts central, with as many as a half-dozen such baseball pros sitting within hotdog-throwing range.

It was a bit of an anti-climactic start for Price, who allowed three runs on seven hits through four innings before he got pulled out at an 80-pitch count. If the Bulls were really lucky, perhaps Price's adjustment to the AAA-level would mean an availability through the International League playoffs, as with Evan Longoria's run last year -- though I'm not holding my breath.

Update: Tip of the hat to the Indy's David Fellerath for a link to this interesting Sports Illustrated article on how the Tampa Bay Rays have been leading the major leagues in bringing along African-American talent, Price included -- in contrast to the declining participation level of blacks in baseball.

Comments

[Michael Bacon]

Um, yeah, it's a different season with Tampa Bay in first place -- the end of year roster expansions will actually mean something for the Bulls for the first time in their AAA history.

And darn it, I had tickets last night, but had to stay at work with an emergency until 10:30. I hope Price pitches another.

[Michael White]

Price would have to be on Tampa's 25 man roster by August 31st in order to be considered for the Rays' playoff roster. Looks like no help for the IL playoffs from him...

[Matt Johnson]

Hey, I was one section over in 202 last night. It was your post that gave me the heads-up that Price was pitching. I wrote a detailed review of it here:

http://www.immaculateinning.com/2008/08/david-price-aaa-debut.html

I agree it's unlikely that Price is on the Bulls for the Governor's Cup playoffs. It's more likely he gets called up when rosters expand on September 1, perhaps even as a reliever.

[GreenLanter]

Kevin: Any update on whether or not Goodmon has lined up tenants for DV II? Do you know if DV III and any of the new condos/apartments will be started this year?

[anon]

@GL -- I heard that DV II is 70% leased. Also heard that Cap is having trouble finding a big tenant for DV III.

And there's drama in the air -- da Bulls want a restaurant in DV III (overlooking the field). But others at Cap don't. Hopefully, the boys will play nice in the sandbox. (This information is a month old.)

[Tar Heelz]

Anyone know whether they have yet figured out a better solution for the Batters' Eye glare off DVIII? Currently a black drape (visible in the photo) dangles from the balcony of the second floor in front of the first floor windows.

I don't think I'd pay Class A rent for that!