David Price, the No.1 overall pick in 2007, will make his long-awaited first career start in the major leagues Monday against Baltimore.  The 6-foot-6 lefty has made two relief appearances so far for the Rays throwing six innings striking out six while walking none.  One of those appearances was a 5.1 inning relief outing against the Yankees in which he allowed two runsincluding one home run.  Monday however is his first real shot in the major leagues, and is a moment that has been anticipated since he was drafted a year and a half ago.

Price was utterly dominant in the minor leagues this season earning him this September start.  Over three levels, he made 19 starts compiling a 12-1 record and a 2.30 ERA.  He also struck out just under a batter an inning with 109 punchouts in 109.2 IP.  Those are the numbers of an elite prospect.

Fantasy-wise, Price is probably worthy of a spot start even in mixed league fantasy playoffs if you needs strikeouts and wins.  He is obviously a good investment in keeper leagues, but be careful not to overvalue him in yearly drafts in 2009.  Yes he is a terrific prospect, and will probably someday be one of the best pitchers in the game.  The key there however is “someday” which I will say is sometime in 2010.  There are too many cautionary tales with pitching prospects.  Homer Bailey has been awful in the majors.  Clay Bucholz, Phil Hughes, and Ian Kennedy all tanked this season.  Clayton Kershaw has been up and down.  It took Chad Billingsley three season before finally realizing his vast potential this season.  I think Price is completely legitimate, and will be a real-life and fantasy All-Star eventually.  Just don’t over-inflate his value next year because of his prospect status.  He shouldn't be drafted within the top 50 pitchers in 10 team standard mixed leagues.

David Price is an elite pitching talent, just don't treat him like an elite fantasy one quite yet.