If Toronto Blue Jays ace David Price was given a vote for the American League MVP this season, the left-hander would have an easy time filling out the top of his ballot.
The left-hander joined Baseball Central on Sportsnet 590 The Fan on Wednesday, where he spoke to Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker about why he believes Josh Donaldson is the American League MVP, his approach to September baseball, and the power of his changeup.
As for the MVP discussion, Price believes it’s an open and shut case for Donaldson.
“He’s (Donaldson) the clear-cut MVP right now. If the season ends today it’s a landslide and he’s the MVP. There might not be a bigger Mike Trout fan out there than myself, but it’s not close. Josh Donaldson, what he’s been able to do, scoring over 100 runs, over 100 RBI, 37 or 38 home runs…just everything that he’s doing.
“He’s a high energy guy. He’s one of those guys you want on your team. From what I’ve seen from him, I haven’t seen guys really get as hot as he’s been…I guess Edwin (Encarnacion), that’s the hottest I’ve ever seen any hitter. I mean, Josh, he’s definitely the clear-cut MVP right now.”
Seemingly every game the Blue Jays play from here on out is the club’s biggest game of the year. However, Price notes that his approach to Thursday’s game against the Yankees will be no different than a start at the beginning of the season.
“Baseball games in May mean just as much as baseball games in September. I understand baseball games in September are very big and very important, but no one game in this game is bigger than the other … unless it’s Game 7 of the World Series. That’s the biggest game you’ll every play.
“I don’t put any added pressure or extra emphasis on pitching in September. I’m just gonna throw my game.”
The conversation shifted to Price’s pitching arsenal, more specifically his devastating changeup — something Price admits gives him an advantage in any matchup.
“The changeup is the equalizer. If you can throw a changeup, you can pitch in Major League Baseball. It’s made pitching a lot easier for me. Throwing my changeup and developing my changeup the way that I have has definitely made pitching a lot easier.
“It took me a while to learn how to throw. I never threw one in high school, I didn’t throw one in college. I didn’t throw one in 2008 in the minor leagues. It’s something (Tampa Bay) had me work on in 2009. I really first started to develop that changeup in 2013. I like my changeup…it’s fun to throw.”
The Blue Jays face the Boston Red Sox Wednesday in the rubber-match of a three-game set. Drew Hutchison takes the ball for Toronto while Joe Kelly gets the start for Boston.
