CINCINNATI – Reds manager Bryan Price has confirmed that he's coming back to manage the Reds in 2018 and says he'd "like to see this thing through."
"It's a good thing, I think, for all of us because we'd like to see this thing through to the other side," Price said Monday. Reds.com reported Price's comments before the Reds' Labor Day game with the Brewers.
Price was referring to the Reds' rebuilding mode that sees them headed to their third straight last-place finish under Price.
The Reds notified Price they were picking up his option for 2018, WCPO contributor John Fay confirmed Saturday. The coaching staff was also invited back.
"It's been great for the staff because I think the staff has worked hard here. Players have stayed together. The clubhouse is a good place. The work is outstanding," Price said Monday.
Price says he is encouraged by the progress of the Reds' young pitchers.
"The young guys are turning the corner in the rotation. I think we've got a good foundation to do some really good things here," Price said.
GO TO the video player above to listen to WCPO’s Fifth Mascot team of Ken Broo, John Erardi and Mike Canan discuss last month’s decision to keep Price through 2017.
The Reds have finished fourth-fifth-fifth in the NL Central the past three seasons since promoting Price from pitching coach following Dusty Baker’s firing in October 2013. Baker took the Reds to the playoffs in 2010, ’12 and ’13.
How much of that is Price’s fault?
It’s arguable because the Reds started dumping high-salaried players three years ago. They got a good return in young position players, but their young pitchers haven’t developed as they had hoped, though some have shown promise in the second half of this season.
The past three seasons were also sabotaged by injuries to starters Homer Bailey, Anthony DeSclafani and Brandon Finnegan.
Through Sunday, the Reds had a winning percentage of .427 under Price and were 91 games under .500 (266-357) in his four seasons. The Reds (58-79) were seven games behind the fourth-place Pirates in the NL Central.
