MLB Network analyst and co-host of “Intentional Talk” Kevin Millar talks the Red Sox’s media feud, advice for David Price and the Yankees’ trade deadline decision with The Post’s Justin Terranova.
Q: How did you handle the media going from Miami to Boston?
A: There is an adjustment. Not every player is structured the same way. Personally, I loved the battle, so I didn’t really let the media bother me. I wasn’t afraid to be booed or have negative articles written about me because that’s what I saw my whole career. It was, “This guy isn’t going to be able to play in the big leagues, this guy can’t throw, can’t run …” I’d love the passion of the sports towns like Philly, New York, Boston, but some guys weren’t built that way.
Q: Does Price deserve all the blame?
A: The only advice I’d give David Price is sometimes we think of the negative side of it too much as a player. The positive side is this: You’re making $200 million, you’re playing for an historic franchise with a chance to win the World Series every season. Does [Dennis] Eckersley get under your skin? Of course, sometimes Hall of Famers don’t realize how tough this sport is. From a David Price standpoint, it’s OK to get your feelings hurt for a second because guys do get mouthy, Eckersley does get mouthy on the microphone, especially when a player struggles.
Q: How should Price have handled the situation?
A: There’s ways to address the situation. Standing up and embarrassing somebody probably isn’t the best way. I think he’s trying to make a point … And I’ve been there. I had an issue with Dan Shaughnessy. As much as we got along, there was some stuff that went on and it was my job to call him out in the locker room. But you are not going to win this fight through the media. The only battle you have to win is between the lines with your teammates and allowing what your abilities allow you to do.
Q: How have you handled criticizing players in your job at MLB Network?
A: It’s the toughest thing to do from an ex-player standpoint. It’s all new to us. When MLB Network launched in 2009, no one sent us to school to teach us how to be a TV person. So, you have to learn on the fly, and to this day it was the toughest thing for me to do because I do love players and how tough and hard this game is … I will get critical if you don’t respect 90 feet and play the game hard and play the game right. Those are the times I can challenge the effort level because that’s on the player.
Q: For the Yankees, is Sonny Gray worth a significant prospect haul, like the Cubs gave up for Jose Quintana ?
A: Yes, because of the control you have the next two years and because of the ability he has to strike out guys. In the postseason, you need pitchers like that. Sonny Gray has that with his breaking pitches. The question about Sonny is he’s a little guy, who hasn’t been healthy. But that’s the question with a lot of guys.