Percival = GLUE FACTORY

by John 63 on Sep 11, 2008 8:20 AM EDT

He gone!

After single handidly trying to wipe out another Rays win last night Manager Joe Maddon saw enough of Percival and of all people Jason Hammel came in to shut down the bases loaded no-out threat to preserve victory.

The two questions that will arise is will Percival be realeased or placed on the DL so he can save face? And, will Dan Wheeler be the new closer?

Everyone has seen enough of Percie and his heroin tough guy antics on the mound. It's time to focus on winning, the guy just hasn't got it anymore. Name him emeritus for the rest of the 2008 season and allow Troy some time in the dugout, just no more games.

Besides that, let's hope the Yanks have thrown in the towel and will allow the Rays a clean sweep in the Bronx to keep the Red Sox out of 1st. And if we have to kick some Yankee ass, as Smith Barney would say, "We earn it." That's just fine by me too..

This post was written by a member of the DRaysBay community and does not necessarily express the views or opinions of DRaysBay staff.

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Crazy idea...

David Price to close?

by PriceMultiCyYoungs on Sep 11, 2008 9:23 AM EDT reply actions

Crazy like a fox....

It will be either Wheeler or Balfour

Mound Visit

by Mound Visit on Sep 11, 2008 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions

I say Balfour

by Rays Rule on Sep 11, 2008 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions

Why Balfour?

I like that option a lot but everything Maddon has done suggests Wheeler gets the job.

by PriceMultiCyYoungs on Sep 11, 2008 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions

I would have Balfour closing.

When on, Grant is unhittable. That’s what you want from a closer. Furthermore, I see choke in Wheelers face when he’s on the bump. Balfour gets pumped in pressure situations. He’s the man for the job.

by John 63 on Sep 11, 2008 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions

Wheeler is great at getting the first two outs.

After that the wheels seem to fall off the cart.

The artist formerly known as TonyT

by acelion on Sep 12, 2008 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions

Percy certainly has made me crazy. Period.

by Rays Rule on Sep 11, 2008 9:45 AM EDT reply actions

I was pacing in my recliner!

Worse, I’m exhausted and can’t sleep cuz the adrenalin is running in overdrive. I was awake at 4:00 A.M. yesterday and just could muster the ambition to go to sleep and look at the scores in the morning. Truth be told, I’m glad I stayed awake.

by John 63 on Sep 11, 2008 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions

Percy to the DL

I’m not sure Percy would allow it. He has a little too much pride to be put on the DL for the playoffs if he’s not actually injured, and he might file a grievance if we did so. From a tactical perspective, obviously putting him on the DL is the right move. He’s been by far the team’s worst reliever in the second half (8.10 ERA since the ASB), and even Talbot would probably be an upgrade, much less Price or Salas.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Sep 11, 2008 10:16 AM EDT reply actions

DL

Because it’s September and rosters have expanded, most teams don’t use the DL. Therefore, the Rays can simply remove Percy from any high-leverage situations without actually placing him on the DL. I think this might be most beneficial, as it allows them to use Percy in low-leverage situations to see if he can recover his mojo. If he doesn’t, well, you leave him off the postseason roster and apologize to him.

by Peter Bendix on Sep 11, 2008 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Good point

Although I think it creates problems if Percy is left off the playoff roster and isn’t at least nominally injured.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Sep 11, 2008 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Howell Deserves Consideration

Balfour is great, but only has a nasty fastball. Wheeler has great control and a handfull of pitches.

Howell, though, has not blown an opportunity yet. With the exception of Josh Hamilton salami months ago (we were already losing that one), Howell has been lights-out. He doesn’t have any losses and he gets a lot of ground balls.

I’m not saying it’s a no-brainer, but at least some consideration should be given to JP.

by Longo Land on Sep 11, 2008 10:38 AM EDT reply actions