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Price vows to earn respect in Boston: 'I let people down last year'

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

One year into his mammoth seven-year, $217-million contract with the Boston Red Sox, a genuine David Price admits his first full season with his new team didn't always feel natural.

"Last year was the first time in my career I didn’t have fun when I was on the field," Price told Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe. "When I’m pitching well, I’m smiling. There wasn’t a lot of smiling."

Although Price showed flashes of his usual, dominant self, the left-hander struggled out of the gate, posting a 4.34 ERA with 16 home runs allowed in his first 19 starts as a member of the Red Sox.

The 31-year-old's postseason struggles were also brought to light once again, as the southpaw surrendered five earned runs lasting only 3.1 innings in Game 2 of the ALDS against the Cleveland Indians. The poor performance elevated his career postseason ERA to 5.54 to go along with a 0-8 record as a starter.

"I let people down last year and that was the biggest thing. When you go to a different team, you want to earn the respect of your teammates. You want to go out there and establish yourself for your teammates and your new fan base, absolutely. I don’t feel like that ever happened," Price said.

Regardless of statistics in 2017, Price is looking forward to his future with the Red Sox. There is a clause in his contract that would allow Price to opt out at the end of next season, but he put an end to any concerns regarding that possibility.

"I’m staying right here," Price said. "There was a reason I signed here and there’s a reason I’ll stay for six more years. I came here to win and we’re going to win. If I go out there and pitch well, they’ll support me."

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