Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Rays' David Price says he wouldn't sign with the Yankees over facial hair policy

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher, David Price, will be a free agent in 2016. The Rays can trade Price at any time before they lose him for nothing. I'm not knocking the way the Rays operate, but Price could be gone sooner than later unless the Rays make a World Series run.

There is one team that Price wouldn't want to go to. The New York Yankees.

Price told Fox Sports reporter Jon Paul Morosi, that if and when he does hit free agency there are teams that he wouldn't sign with because of certain rules and policies. The Yankees have a no facial hair policy and that doesn't go over well with Price. Price sports a beard and doesn't plan on getting rid of it.

“It’s a joke to me, that I had less rules in college than I would on some major league teams. That’s not my style, man. I couldn’t do it on some of these teams I hear about. I couldn’t do it. I’m a grown man.”

 “If I ever did hit that free-agent market, there would be teams I wouldn’t sign with simply because of the stuff that I’ve heard – every rule they have. Being here since 2007, being treated like a grownup, given that respect and freedom and space – it grows on you.”

“I wouldn’t stay there (New York) very long then,” he responded. “I wouldn’t sign a long-term deal there. Those rules, that’s old-school baseball. I was born in ’85. That’s not for me. That’s not something I want to be a part of.”     

We all know money talks and current Yankee C.C. Sabathia said that he didn't want to play in New York until the Brinks truck rolled in. Price may simply be a different cat. He just likes to play the game and hopes to compete for championships.

There will be plenty of where will Price go to rumors over the next 2-3 years, but as a fan i hope he stays in Tampa.

Asante Samuel tells Wes Welker to chase the money

Asante Samuel left the New England Patriots because he knew he wasn't going to make top dollar there based on the Patriots' track record of resigning/signing free agents. So he went to the Philadelphia Eagles and got paid.

Former teammate Wes Welker was critical of Samuel's decision to chase money over championships. Now Welker is a free agent and Samuel has some advice for Welker. Take the money and run.

In an interview on Fox Sports Radio, Samuel said that Welker would be wise to take the best offer he can get if the Patriots don't give him the money.

“He made the comment when I left, I chased the money and not the championship. So here’s my advice to you, Welker: You better chase the money, brother,” Samuel said.

As an NFL player Welker should explore his options to see how much he's worth on the open market. Someone will be willing to overpay for him based on his production. As good as Welker has performed, I do believe he's a product of the Patriots system. Don't believe me, ask Deion Branch how well he did after leaving New England.

NFL players have short careers so Welker might want to get paid while he can. But he might be the best fit in New England's offense than going elsewhere.

'It girl' of the week: Esther Baxter

The "It Girl" of the week is Esther Baxter