Brandon Finnegan is following David Price’s path

Stop me if this script sounds familiar. A pitching prospect taken in the first round rockets through the minor league system during his first year in professional ball. With his team in playoff contention, that draft pick entered the bullpen, pitching well through the month of September. That performance earned the prospect a spot on the postseason roster, where he dominated, shutting down the opposition.

That section above was written about David Price in 2008, when he came up for five games for the Tampa Bay Rays. However, that section could also be written about Brandon Finnegan, the Royals first round draft choice this season, who is proving that the pressure of a playoff chance is not a problem. Thus far in the postseason, Finnegan has posted a 2.25 ERA, allowing only two baserunners in his four innings of work. Price, meanwhile, allowed two runs, one earned, in his 5.2 innings of postseason work, giving up two hits and two walks in 2008.

We all know how the story with Price turned out. He quickly became one of the better pitchers in baseball, establishing himself as a bona fide ace on those contending Rays teams. His resume is certainly impressive, with five All-Star appearances and a Cy Young award. For a pitcher that is only 29 years old, that is quite the impressive career.

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Obviously, it is extremely premature to think that Brandon Finnegan will turn into another David Price. However, allowing him to get his feet wet in September and in the playoffs, where he has experienced success, may be the perfect first step. Such a move worked out with Price, and before him, Adam Wainwright of the St. Louis Cardinals. Perhaps it could work for Finnegan as well.

With the Royals seemingly destined to have an open spot in the rotation next season, as James Shields is likely to depart via free agency, Finnegan’s performance this season may give him an inside track to that potential opening. Even if that does not work out, Finnegan looks like he could be a true weapon in the bullpen, giving the Royals yet another excellent option in relief.

The Royals have Brandon Finnegan following in the footsteps of David Price, and Adam Wainwright before him. If Finnegan develops along that same path, then the Royals rotation would truly be the envy of baseball in another couple of years.