CINCINNATI - Dallas Keuchel and the Detroit Tigers' David Price both throw a cutter, are lefthanded, and helped the American League win Tuesday's 86th All-Star Game.

The similarities would seem to end there, because Price has five All-Star selections compared to Keuchel's one. Price was a No. 1 overall draft pick, while Keuchel was the 221st pick, in the ninth round.

Nothing separates the two pitchers more than their throwing styles: Price is armed with a 95 mph fastball and struck out 271 batters a year ago, while Keuchel has a 91 mph sinker and thrives on ground balls.

Yet somehow, they're both united by the same reverential title.

"He's an ace," Price said of Keuchel after watching him throw two innings Tuesday. "He's going to be doing this for a long time. Greg Maddux - he didn't throw 95. Tom Glavine, guys like that. He knows how to pitch. Guys that throw 100 that don't know how to pitch, they don't last at this level.

"I'm a huge fan of him, and I hope he continues the second half the way he's thrown the ball in the first half. He's been phenomenal. He's definitely the first half Cy Young (winner). He deserves it."

Making memories

Many players have trouble describing the All-Star Game beyond generalities and exclamations, because even for pro athletes who are used to the spotlight, the grandeur and historical significance can be overwhelming. Keuchel, a collected and even personality, found himself nervous before making his start.

"Just when I was warming up in the bullpen, they called my name. I heard that," Keuchel said of his nerves. "Then we were walking back - the four greatest living players (Sandy Koufax, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and Johnny Bench) were on the field as well. That was super special, and that's another honor for me. There's so many things about these last couple days that I will cherish for the rest of my life."

Astros manager A.J. Hinch, who was on the American League staff, said the clubhouse interactions no one sees are the most poignant: temporary teammates ribbing Jose Altuve during a photo shoot, conversations between superstar players who are normally competitors, the relaxed air.

Keuchel picked the brain of division rival Felix Hernandez of the Mariners while in Cincinnati. He also had high remarks for Royals pitching coach Dave Eiland, who shook Keuchel's hand as he walked into the dugout Tuesday when his outing was over.

Keuchel also had some questions for the other lefthanded ace, Price.

"What I'm looking at in certain counts and what spots I'm kind of figuring out," Price said. "They're great questions. He's a student of the game, and I love that type of stuff, and I respect it.

"I love it, man. There's just no pride at these games. I mean, if you want to talk to somebody about something, what they do, I'm an open book, you know. I'm a fan of that guy. I'd love to sit down with him and pick his brain for a while as well."

They did veer away from game plans briefly, discussing offseason plans.

'Open up that checkbook'

Before it was known Price and Keuchel had talked, a reporter on Monday asked Price - a free agent this winter - if he had taken notice of the Astros' success and if that would change how free agents look at the team.

"You knew it was coming. You had to have," Price said. "It's kind of similar to what happened in Tampa (where Price pitched from 2008-14). When you have that many high draft picks, you kind of develop the farm system the way they have, the way they've done it, they have to be better at some point. Right now … they're a very exciting team to watch. Everybody wants to be a part of a winner. If they're winning, you know, guys will want to come be a part of it."

Who knew Keuchel was so opportunistic? Always unafraid to speak his mind, Keuchel is playing recruiter now. He wants Price in Houston.

The Astros are expected to go after a pitcher this winter, and Price is a big fish in a market that has other attractive names.

"Kind of pitched David Price for the Astros next year, so hopefully we can get a deal done soon," Keuchel said.

Price's reaction?

"Hey, open up that checkbook," Keuchel said laughing, before adding, "I'm a big fan of that as well.

"So we'll see. It's a long ways away. But he's definitely one of those guys I admire and I would like to have on my team."

Price took note of Keuchel's words.

"He said something along those lines, yeah," Price said, smiling.

Asked if he was considering the request, Price made the politically correct play.

"I heard him," Price said.

Maybe down the road, they'll be united by more than just their "lefty ace" designation. After all, Price named his dog Astro.