Troy Percival got to know Joe Maddon when he pitched for the Angels and Maddon was a coach for the same team. Assuming there are no unforeseen snags in negotiations, Percival and Maddon will be reunited in Tampa Bay next season. Sources say that Percival is close to completing a multiyear contract with the Rays.
Percival, 38, retired after pitching in 26 games for Detroit in 2006. But he came back to pitch for St. Louis last year and threw well, compiling a 1.80 ERA in 40 innings over 34 games. Percival has a long history as a closer, with 324 career saves, but he probably will fill a variety of roles for Tampa Bay, which has retained closer Al Reyes. The Rays also will probably value Percival for his old-school approach, something that could be a help with such a young team as Tampa Bay.
"It's not done-done," said Paul Cohen, who represents Percival. "We're still working on some things." Cohen said he got some directions from Percival at about noon on Wednesday.
Milwaukee, the Yankees and the Giants are among the teams which have expressed interest in Percival.
Buster Olney is a senior writer at ESPN The Magazine.
Source: ESPN.com
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