Percival "Serious" About Rays

by R.J. Anderson on Nov 14, 2007 7:18 AM EST

Percival's agent, Paul Cohen, said Tuesday that the Rays are among about 10 teams interested in the 38-year-old pitcher, who went 3-0 with a 1.80 ERA in 34 appearances for St. Louis this season after sitting out nearly two years with forearm trouble.

While plenty of teams need bullpen help, the Rays could have an edge because of Percival's close relationship with Joe Maddon. The two spent 10 seasons together with the Angels as Percival racked up 316 of his 324 career saves.

"We wouldn't be having serious conversations with them if Troy wasn't serious," Cohen said. "He has a tremendous respect for Joe."

Awesome, he's been on my wishlist and I'm glad to see that the Halo Effect is working a bit.

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I wonder what Percival will go for on the market

He certainly should be among our top targets on the market as far as upgrading the bullpen goes, but we aren't alone in pursuing him, so the price will be high regardless.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Nov 14, 2007 8:19 AM EST reply actions

Re: Percival "Serious" About Rays

Think the Rays may get a discount if he wants to play for Maddon?

http://tampabaysportsfanatic.blogspot.com/

by tampabaysportsfanatic on Nov 14, 2007 8:33 AM EST reply actions

Doubtful

Considering the interest in him and the Rays' status as a non-contender. But I suppose that Percival is even considering the Rays is a testament to his relationship with Joe.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Nov 14, 2007 8:48 AM EST up reply actions

True, and

He did turn us down last season to go to St. Louis

http://tampabaysportsfanatic.blogspot.com/

by tampabaysportsfanatic on Nov 14, 2007 10:05 AM EST up reply actions

Hopefully he learned his lesson

Don't screw with Maddon's heart.

by R.J. Anderson on Nov 14, 2007 1:19 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Hopefully he learned his lesson

His nickname would fit perfectly with Maddon,

Percy does with shieldsy and the others

http://tampabaysportsfanatic.blogspot.com/

by tampabaysportsfanatic on Nov 14, 2007 2:35 PM EST up reply actions

Who do you think they will keep?

Im guessing if we got Percival (and no one else) it looks like:

Reyes
Percival
Wheeler
Salas
Dohmann
Balfour
token lefty (Howell, Mahay?, Switzer)

anyone I am missing?

by nittsallgood on Nov 14, 2007 10:39 AM EST reply actions

Re: Percival "Serious" About Rays

Percival is going to be way to much of a risk for what its going to cost to get him. We got very lucky with Reyes with the Arm/Age issues but we didn't spend much to take that risk.

Percival is going to be different sorry i think and one that we are not in a position to gamble with.

This team is not ready for mid-level or for that mater high-priced free agents. Lets see what we have with the kids and let them grow.

Poe

by bpoe13 on Nov 14, 2007 11:33 AM EST reply actions

Re: Percival "Serious" About Rays

We have TONS of payroll flexibility. Our payroll even with arbitration increases is still almost 50 million under the ML average. We can take risks on guys like Percival. I guarantee he won't make more than 6 million a year, which is nothing really. He's worth a one year contract w/ incentives or with a player option if he reaches certain goals like appearances or something.

by Tyler on Nov 14, 2007 11:48 AM EST up reply actions

Yep

by R.J. Anderson on Nov 14, 2007 12:51 PM EST up reply actions

The key thing is

Percival may require lots of money to sign on a per year basis, but his contract is going to be a one year deal. So even if he does bomb out due to injury or ineffectiveness, the damage is entirely limited to that one year. You aren't handcuffed into some long-term deal.

by Patrick L. Kennedy on Nov 16, 2007 12:27 PM EST up reply actions

Re: Percival "Serious" About Rays

"Our payroll even with arbitration increases is still almost 50 million under the ML average."

I must be missing something because even though i understand the above line to be true why do you think this is going to change this year?

Stu has said that he expects the payroll to increase slightly each year. Last year high end free agents were being paid stupid money with average at best #s. Thus we didn't take a big chance on any of those guys and we only slightly increased payroll. With the fat payday due Pena, our payroll is going to guy up quit a bit percentage wise. Sure it will still be very low compared with everyone else but it will still be higher then the last 2 years.

I think if you add up all the $ we spend on free agents that the total will be under 6 mil and we are not going to risk that on one old arm.

I think they are going to give guys shots at earning a position on the team with low end contracts, ie Reyes and Pena and get the rest through trades.

This team needs to get to .500 ball before they start getting into bidding war with millions and millions on the line.

by bpoe13 on Nov 14, 2007 2:01 PM EST reply actions

Re: Percival "Serious" About Rays

but it says the Rays are interested as is he about the Rays...I atleast am going with that logic...you don't just say a team is interested(more so if it is the Rays) if they are not...what does saying the rays are interested do to help percival?....not a thing

by Elgrandeplatano on Nov 14, 2007 2:40 PM EST reply actions