Tyler Walker May Return?

by R.J. Anderson on Jul 24, 2008 9:45 AM EDT

Per Henry Schulman the Rays are apparently interested (again) in their former closer:(Hat tip to MLBTR)

Tampa Bay, concerned about the health of Troy Percival, has some interest in trading for Tyler Walker, a source said. The Giants dealt Walker to the Rays in 2006. He saved 10 games for the Rays before blowing out his elbow

Walker is boasting a career high GB/FB ratio of 1.32 and has a career average just over 1. 45% of the balls put into play have been on the ground, encouraging yet his nearly 16% HR/FB ratio is terrifying. He's not a relief ace by any means, and I don't know how much of an upgrade he'd be over some other internal options.

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Why won't they call up Salas and/or Thayer?

by rays1234 on Jul 24, 2008 9:56 AM EDT reply actions

exactly the first thing I thought-

Salas to Tampa Bay- Glover to Durham via DFA (he’ll clear waivers like Dohmann did)
I lie Balfour as a possible replacememt to Percival should the need arise, but I certainly wouldn’t mind if we dealt for Street or Brian Fuentes as long as we’re arent giving away too much-

by Hazleton Jason on Jul 24, 2008 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions

It's not like it's a big loss if someone picks up Glover anyways.

by rays1234 on Jul 24, 2008 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions

One thing I stumbled upon on the internets

Percival was evidently grooming Balfour for the closer’s role ala K-Rod when Percy was in Anahiem.

The story is at

TAMPA BAY RAYS: 2008 CITRUS SERIES CHAMPIONS

by JMB on Jul 24, 2008 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions

http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10905913

I fail

TAMPA BAY RAYS: 2008 CITRUS SERIES CHAMPIONS

by JMB on Jul 24, 2008 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions

We have some really good options for closer over the next few years

Balfour -> Salas -> Mcgee

by Dbullsfan on Jul 24, 2008 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Morlan as well if his velocity comes back

by td32 on Jul 24, 2008 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions

as long as we give them basically nothing

We are against calling up Salas or Niemann for the pen, that much has become obvious.

Also very obvious is Miller’s lack of talent, he could never get righties out, now hes bad against lefties also.

If we continue to not call up Salas or Niemann or even Price(moving EJ to the pen) then I wouldn’t mind getting a cheap piece like Walker to replace Miller.

I am sure a Walker trade wont kill the farm and make us unable to get Street/Fuentes if we really want them…..

by joeybw on Jul 24, 2008 10:23 AM EDT reply actions

Last time

it only cost up Carlos Hines. So… whatever.

I really don’t see the need for ‘em, I’m in the call up Salas/Niemann boat. But he could probably be had for a PTBNL, so I guess I’m ok with it.

by Vin on Jul 24, 2008 11:02 AM EDT reply actions

waste of money...

we’ve already got a GB guy coming up. Price will fill that void in mid-August or sooner. there’s absolutely no need to add walker to the mix. The players we need to make us better should cost us no more than Niemann + Hammel AND we should be able to hold onto Davis,JHell,+ Brignac. just my opinion though.

by blackjackrays on Jul 24, 2008 11:40 AM EDT reply actions