Getting to know him

Who is David Price?

. A frequent user of Twitter — @DAVIDprice14 — with nearly 118,00 followers and more than 7,700 tweets.

. Has a famously popular French bulldog named Astro, who occasionally accompanies him to the Trop. An Astro figurine was include with a Price Superhero Figurine giveaway last season, and Price often puts a toy dog atop the dugout when he pitches.

. Has dates sewn into his glove marking the dates two of his closest high school friends passed away.

. Started the Project 14 Foundation, which supports youth programs in his native Tennessee and the Tampa Bay area; hosts a golf outing, bowling event and a banquet.

. fast facts

David Taylor Price

Height/weight: 6-6; 220

Throws: Left

Hits: Left

Born: Aug. 26, 1985, Nashville

High school: Blackman (Murfreesboro, Tenn.)

College: Vanderbilt (Nashville)

Drafted: No. 1 overall, 2007

Notable accomplishments this past season

. Led AL with 2.56 ERA (2nd in majors) and shared lead with 20 wins.

. Selected to third consecutive All-Star team.

. Went 10-2, 2.51 in 16 starts vs. AL East teams.

. Had 13 wins vs. teams that finished .500 or better, the same as the Angels' Jered Weaver (no other pitcher had more than 9).

. Had MLB-most 23 starts of 7 IP or more, including 22 of last 26.

. Had 23 starts allowing 2 ER or fewer, most in AL, and allowed 1 or 0 in 11 of last 23 starts.

. Compiled a 1.62 ERA in six no-decisions, including two with eight shutout innings and three or fewer hits. (Rays were shut out in 3 of his starts.)

. Had most difficult "Quality of Opponents" of any MLB starter, according to SABR.