Commodore Banter (7/7)

David Price said he felt like he was back at Vanderbilt yesterday afternoon when he took the mound against the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx in Jackson, Tenn.

The throngs of Commodore fans in attendance had to feel like they were back at Hawkins Field as Price turned in a familiar performance. The left-hander picked up his third win in as many starts for the Double-A Montgomery Biscuits after giving up one run on four hits while striking out six and walking one in seven innings.

"He was really excited being here, close to home," said Price's mother, Debbie. "He knew there were going to be people here cheering for him, so he was looking forward to it — almost like a home game.

"It's been about a year since he's pitched in front of friends and family, so I think he's been really waiting on this day."

At one point, Price retired 17 straight batters and reached 97 mph on his fastball.

"It felt like I was back at Vandy," Price said. "They're very loyal fans, and they're going to support me for the rest of my career. I definitely appreciate it."

With the Rays atop the AL East, there is a chance Price could be called up to The Show by the end of the year. [The Tennessean]

Price isn't the only former Commodore having success in the minors. Reliever Casey Weathers is tearing it up in Tulsa, the Rockies' Double-A affiliate, and was recently named to the U.S. Futures Game, which takes place the Sunday before the All-Star Game at Yankees Stadium.

Weathers is topping out in the upper-90s and like Price, could be pitching in the Big Leagues by the end of the season.

Also, there's a good feature of second baseman Alex Feinberg, who is making the most of his opportunity.

Current Commodore Mike Minor picked up the win for Team USA, pitching 6.1 shutout innings against Cuba. Minor gave up for hits and walked three, while fanning five. The fans were crazy, as Goldy writes in his blog for VU Commodores.

Make sure to check out this Q&A with Shan Foster. The Las Vegas Summer League begins July 11.

Lastly, Brett Hait of The Nashville City Paper sat down with the "Voice of the Commodores" to talk about a number of Vanderbilt-related topics.

Photo [Gannett Tennessean]