Price in line to start Monday; Percival seems likely to retire
UPDATE: Maddon said he "would not be surprised" if Percival decides to retire. Also, Maddon said they will not designate anyone, such as Jason Isringhausen, to replace Percvial but will use "the whole bullpen" to finish games.
NEWS: LHP David Price is expected to be called up and start Monday in place of LHP Scott Kazmir.
Also Troy Percival left for his California home on Friday frustrated over his latest arm problems and it sounds like there is at least a possibility he could retire.
Percival told the Rays after pitching Thursday that "when he woke up on Monday after pitching Sunday that his arm was really bothering him,'' Rays exec VP Andrew Friedman said. "It was unbeknownst to us. We talked after the game (Thursday) and his arm was continuing to bother him. He's extremely frustrated right now. He's had a tremendous career and we'll support him however we can. And so for right now he's going to take a few days, go home and spend some time with his family and think through things and figure out where he is with his arm, and we'll go from there.''
The Rays expect to know more by early next week if Percival is truly considering retirement. "That's probably for him to answer,'' Friedman said. "I think (Thursday) he was extremely frustrated and the idea was for him to take a couple days to clear his head, see where he is physically, see where he is mentally and we'll support him in whatever way we can.''
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When he lost his see-ya later slider, he lost his killer instinct. If they can get somebody for him...make the deal.
Posted by: Mixee | May 24, 2009 at 09:09 AM
Interesting that after the game3 Kazmir said he was fine, then the next day it is his quad!! Then they say he will be out for longer then the 15 days maybe a couple of months!1
Translation, We have alot of money tied up with a guy who has not improved and has gone backwards the last 3 years. Wow, alot of uniformed Baseball fans and Media types kept on saying he was the ACE.. now the fams are calling for his head and this move has not been a shocker at all.
There was a reason the METS traded him cheap
Posted by: colt99 | May 23, 2009 at 03:42 PM
Kaz needs to heal more than his quad, his confidence is shot. Get better soon Kaz, we need you in the stretch. Happy trails Percy! Time to bring the horses home buddy. Price may not be ready for prime time, Maddon needs to be careful and not destroy his confidence if things go south with him.
Posted by: drspb | May 22, 2009 at 09:47 PM
Ok, Talbot started tonight for AAA Durham, which is odd because Price has been starting consistently on 4 days rest all season to date.
Saving him for a Monday start with the Big boys?
Posted by: Dave | May 22, 2009 at 09:33 PM
Wasn't Price supposed to be on the hill tonight for Durham? His last start was 5/17 . . . I can't find out if he pitched tonight or not, Bulls website isn't helping me.
Posted by: Dave | May 22, 2009 at 09:29 PM
Short of trading for Nick Swisher to replace Kaz, this is the best move. Question: Has he signed a longterm contract?
Thanks for the angst, Percy. You got the saves, but Lord knows just how.
Izzy's the closer, Maddon just won't say. Balfour has lost most in this whole scenario. He never got clear shot to close cause of the love affair with Percy. Now he's some mopup man. Maybe he'll get back to closing situations.
Posted by: mockdraught | May 22, 2009 at 06:38 PM
Finally!!! Zobrist needs to play, use Brignac as utility man, they didn't bring up Joyce, so play Zobie!! Thans Friedman for actually listening to the fans that really care!!!!! Go Rays
Posted by: joemaddonsucks.com | May 22, 2009 at 06:23 PM
If you look down the bench, you'll see Zobrist warming it up again tonight.
Posted by: DavidSassoon | May 22, 2009 at 06:11 PM
Joe Maddon is a manager who "stands by his man", but in the case of Percival I think it is time for him to call it a career and for Joe to encourage that. And a great career it has been. Kaz needs work and he needs confidence. I suggest some time in the minors to get his stuff together. Heeee'll be back, and better than ever. Price will be in good hands with Sensei Joe.
Posted by: Hoosier papa | May 22, 2009 at 06:08 PM
Hallelujah - FINALLY.
Woo-Hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Me | May 22, 2009 at 05:48 PM
No brainer on Kaz.
Posted by: D | May 22, 2009 at 05:44 PM
I don't think anyone could do worse than a typical Kazmir start which is 93 pitches, and 7 runs by the fourth inning.
Welcome back David Price!!!
Posted by: RJ | May 22, 2009 at 05:40 PM
Had to be done. Hard to imagine any pitcher giving up more runs than Kaz has lately. His VORP is 2nd worst in the league. Hell, I'd rather see Zobrist pitching, what the heck.
Here's to looking forward to Price and Izzy turning this pitching staff around.
Posted by: HG Pennypacker | May 22, 2009 at 05:38 PM
YES, YES YES
Posted by: CharlieRay | May 22, 2009 at 05:14 PM