Mazz: Why Is David Price Pitching The Red Sox' Home Opener?
BOSTON (CBS) -- Mother Nature was not too kind to the Red Sox during their season-opening series, as they played just two games during their five-day stay in Cleveland.
That's mucked up the Boston rotation a bit, and has led to one decision by manager John Farrell that has Tony Massarotti up in arms.
The Sox had a pair of rainouts in Cleveland -- Opening Day and again on Thursday -- which has Farrell tinkering with his rotation. He'll toss Joe Kelly, Rick Porcello and fifth starter Steven Wright against the Blue Jays. That has Mazz asking why new ace David Price isn't pitching the finale against the defending AL East champs, with Farrell opting to give Boston's $31 million man an extra day of rest before his next start.
"David Price should be pitching Sunday against the Blue Jays, and then he should get them again in the series against Toronto in Boston. He could pitch on regular rest this week, and regular rest next week," said Mazz. "If you are so intent on giving him an extra day, you can give him one next week and still pitch him against the Blue Jays."
Toronto ace Marcus Stroman is taking the hill for Friday's series opener, on regular rest, which will allow the Jays to start him again when they go to Fenway next week.
"Toronto is just starting the season like you are, but they're not using their fifth starter. They've jumped right over him and went back to Stroman to pitch against the Red Sox. I have no idea why the Red Sox are doing this," said Mazz. "I don't get it. David Price should be pitching Sunday against the Blue Jays."
Felger thinks he cracked the case, saying the Sox starting Price in Monday's Fenway Park opener is a move to appease the fans in attendance. But Mazz disagrees, and thinks this could be more of a baseball decision to avoid throwing Price twice against the Jays so early in the season.
"I am more scared at the possibility that this is a baseball decision," he said. "There is no good answer for Price pitching in the home opener."
