Price keeps cool in first opener as manager

CINCINNATI -- The magnitude of the occasion -- his first Opening Day at any level as a manager -- did not seem to affect Reds skipper Bryan Price before Monday's regular-season debut vs. the Cardinals.

"I think it's a situation that can be overwhelming if you allow it to be," Price said. "I'm the 61st manager to have an opportunity to have an Opening Day with the Reds. ... The most important thing is to embrace this wonderful moment -- not just in my life and my family's -- but for this particular team, this group, the ownership and the fans. We'd love for this to be a memorable Opening Day for all the right reasons and a great start to the season."

Price endured plenty for a rookie manager at Spring Training, namely having eight of his players start the regular season on the disabled list -- including closer Aroldis Chapman and starting pitcher Mat Latos.

There was no sleeplessness for Price the night before the game, almost.

"I slept well until 5:30," Price said. "I'm one of those guys -- I can sleep. I have no problem typically sleeping. But when I wake up, it's tough to go back. I really didn't think about the disabled list or the bullpen. It was, more than anything, making sure the communication between myself and the coaches and coaches to players was good -- you want to make sure from a signs perspective and communicating to the players once the game gets started.

"It's imperative we are connected that way. We feel like we're prepared."