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Percival Not Concerned By Lack Of Moves

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 2, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - Troy Percival knows from firsthand experience that a big move at the trade deadline is no prerequisite for postseason success.

"I won the World Series with the team that we started with," the Rays' closer said Friday. "We made one move - we got Alex Ochoa, who came in for defense in the seventh inning sometimes."

Other than that, the 2002 Angels stuck with the players who had carried them to that point, and it worked out. Percival doesn't see any reason the 2008 Rays should take a different approach.

"We're at where we're at because we're a good team, and we're going to be a good team," he said.

That seemed to be the consensus in the clubhouse a day after the non-waiver trade deadline passed with no action from the first-place Rays. The decision to stand pat was taken as a vote of confidence in those already here.

"I think the numbers speak for themselves," said Dioner Navarro. "We've been doing it, we're where we're at, and we feel pretty comfortable with what we've got. And nothing's going to change - we're going to keep going out there every day and playing hard every day and keep doing whatever we've been doing to this point."

Several players were relieved the Rays didn't do anything to alter the composition of a clubhouse that has shared a bond basically from Day One in spring training.

"I think the one reason why we have so much success is it's starting here in the clubhouse," said Jonny Gomes. "The reason these outfielders and infielders are diving is to stop the earned run for the pitcher, because that's his buddy, that's his teammate. When you've got your buddy and you've got someone you want to go to war with out there, you give 110 percent."

Manager Joe Maddon said he thought the faith placed in the current roster by executive vice president Andrew Friedman should serve as an additional motivator, especially for those who haven't performed to their expected levels.

"As of right now," said Maddon, "I like the idea that we're going to band together even more tightly and prove to everybody that we can do this and it's the record that we have to this point has been earned and we feel like we deserve it, we want to move on from here."

ROCCO WATCH: It doesn't sound like Rocco Baldelli will be returning to active duty today, but he might not have to wait much longer.

Baldelli wrapped up his second 20-day rehab assignment Friday night, playing five innings in right field for Montgomery and going 0-for-1 with two walks and a strikeout. He will return to St. Petersburg today to meet with the Rays' medical staff and other team officials. He'll be run through various baseball drills during the weekend to gauge his readiness and the Rays will go from there.

If Baldelli shows he's capable of filling the reserve role envisioned for him, he could be activated during the homestand.

GLOVER GOES FREE: RHP Gary Glover rejected an outright assignment to Durham and elected to become a free agent Friday. Glover, who was designated for assignment Monday after being reinstated from the 15-day disabled list, cleared waivers before declining to remain in the Rays organization.

The veteran reliever had a 5.82 ERA in 29 appearances this season. He went 6-5 with a 4.89 ERA in 67 outings for the Rays last year.

APPEARANCES: Scott Kazmir will be at the Valrico Dunkin' Donuts at 2206 E. Brandon Blvd. from 10 to 11:30 a.m. today. ... Hall of Famer Monte Irvin will sign autographs from 4:10 to 5:10 p.m. in front of the Ted Williams Museum at Tropicana Field.

Marc Lancaster

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