Sunday, June 22, 2008 For Immediate Release

Contact: Jim Tocco (334) 323-0363

Biscuits receive David Price  Top draft pick to arrive in Montgomery Sunday evening

MONTGOMERY – Pitcher David Price, the no. 1 selection in the 2007 June First-Year Player Draft, will arrive in Montgomery Sunday evening and is expected to join the Biscuits' roster early this week.

Price, the 6-foot-6 lefty from Vanderbilt University, has gotten his pro career off to a fantastic start at Vero Beach (A-Advanced - Florida State League), going 4-0 in six starts with a 1.82 ERA.  Price walked seven and struck out 37 in 34 2/3 innings.

He is expected to start for the Biscuits as soon as Thursday, during Montgomery's six-game series in Mobile.

Price, who hauled in 12 national awards during his Junior season at Vanderbilt, including the Golden Spikes Award recognizing the nation's top college player, was 11-1 with a 2.63 ERA.

Drafted in June, 2007, he signed a contract with the Rays on August 15, 2007, worth up to $11.25 Million with $8.5 Million guaranteed.

Price wowed baseball fans this spring, entering a Grapefruit League game against the New York Yankees on Saturday, March 8 in the seventh inning.  Price hit the first batter he faced but then struck out the side in order, topping out at 99 mph in the process.

Due to a left forearm flexor strain, Price did not begin his professional career until May 22 of this season with Vero Beach against Clearwater.  In that outing, he threw five shutout innings, allowing two hits and striking out four.  In his next outing on May 28, he outdeuled Cy Young winner Pedro Martinez and beat the St. Lucie Mets by tossing six shutout innings and allowing two hits, striking out nine.

"He's amazing, that kid. He's amazing," Martinez said. "That kid is very mature for his time in [the pros], and very talented.

"Oh my God. God bless him and keep him healthy."

Price is rated as the Rays' no. 2 prospect by Baseball America, behind Evan Longoria.