BOSTON -- For the first time since Red Sox left-hander David Price confronted Hall of Fame pitcher and NESN analyst Dennis Eckersley on a team flight a month ago, Price spoke at length on Saturday about what led to the incident.
Price also added that he looks forward to having a chance to speak with Eckersley in hopes of clearing the air.
That won't be possible this weekend, as Eckersley is in Cooperstown, N.Y., for the annual Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.
"Yeah, we'll speak when he's here in person. We'll definitely talk it out," said Price, who is on the 10-day disabled list with left elbow inflammation.
Price made it clear that what upset him the most is that Eckersley, who is known for being candid in his analysis, doesn't spend time in the clubhouse like other announcers.
"If Eck was around, he'd know who we are," Price said. "He's never in the clubhouse. Mr. [Jerry] Remy is always in here. Dave O'Brien is always around. Mr. [Mike] Timlin, on the [last] road trip, was always in the clubhouse. He's the one guy I've seen in my career that doesn't ever show his face in the clubhouse. There's a reason behind that.
"I mean if you're going to say what he says, you know, come around. Just show your face. And if guys have a problem with it, they'll pull him aside. Be like, 'that ain't how it's done.' This is not the first time this has happened here regarding Eck. It's unfortunate that it happened, and it did, and we're going to get through it."
Price thinks that Eckersley's analysis has been less biting since their run-in. Does Price feel bad about the incident?
"I could have handled it probably a different way, but ever since that's happened, he's been really good," Price said. "He's said a lot of positive stuff about everybody in this clubhouse. This is one band, one sound. We've got to have everybody on board. That's that."
Does Price feel the need to apologize to Eckersley?
"When he's around, we'll speak face to face," Price said. "I'm sure you all will hear what's said. That's the way it goes."
Numerous reports have stated that what drew Price's ire on the night of June 29 was Eckersley saying "yuck" when NESN flashed the pitching line of Eduardo Rodriguez's Minor League rehab start. Price did nothing to dispute those reports on Saturday.
"[I] stand up for my guys. I talked to my dad this morning and he remembered whenever I got suspended in fifth grade for one day, for standing up for classmates," Price said. "And that's who I am, that's who I always have been, and that's who I'll continue to be."