Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times highlights a connection that could bring Troy Percival to Tampa Bay, should the Angels pass. Topkin notes that Rays manager Joe Maddon, a former Angels bench coach, thinks very highly of Percy.
Tampa Bay would definitely provide an opportunity for Percival to get some late-inning work. Al Reyes won’t be giving up the closer role anytime soon; he’s been a godsend with a 1.37 ERA and 4.6 K/BB. Juan Salas seemed a candidate to lock down the setup role, but he recently earned a 50 game steroid suspension.
It would seem wise for the Devil Rays to shop Reyes this July. Some team might pony up an unreasonable bounty for the bullpen help. Then again, Reyes does help Devil Rays fans maintain their sanity in the ninth inning.
