Rays closer Percival set for Tuesday surgery
Rays closer Troy Percival will have surgery Tuesday on his troublesome back but is expected to be ready for opening day.
Percival, 39, had three stints on the disabled list last season for various injuries and missed time in September to receive shots to relieve his back trouble.
Percival, who is signed for $4-million for 2009, led the Rays with 28 saves but was left off the postseason roster in all three rounds.
He will have the surgery done by specialist Dr. Robert Watkins in California and if all goes well is expected to be throwing off a mound by early March.
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They can't expect to be World Series contenders next year by relying on a briddle old man that is done. Percival needs to retire and sign Nationals closer Chad Cordero. He had shoulder problems last year but he is only 26. You can't win a WS with a closer by committee. Does not work. You need a everday closer.
Posted by: galloway84 | December 02, 2008 at 04:27 PM
Sounds like Percy will be on the 60 day DL to start out the season. Another reason to go out and acquire more bullpen help, preferably a closer. Balfour and Wheeler definitely fatigued down the stretch into the playoffs. Price is a candidate to start, Davis and Thayer would be nice additions to the pen in some role in '09, but have no experience in the bigs. Finally, Jackson has closer stuff, but....well, it's a nice idea in theory and would work if the consistency was there, physically and mentally.
Posted by: Mikey A | December 02, 2008 at 01:05 PM
Percival sucks.
Posted by: Caleb | December 02, 2008 at 11:16 AM
A 40 yr old pitcher coming off back surgery? It's time Percival retired.
Posted by: MarkFidrych | December 02, 2008 at 05:03 AM