FanHouse

You gotta hand it to the Rays for being busy this offseason and addressing what seems to be everyone's top priority ... pitching. They've already traded for Twins stud Matt Garza (in a deal that's now official), and now they're supplementing that move by closing in on Troy Percival.

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. (...)

"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.

While it's not going to be a move that's going to make the difference between last place and battling the Red Sox for the division, combined with the Garza trade it does signal that the Rays at least are proactive in shoring up their most pressing need. And having Percival around could make some subtle differences in the approach and performance of the rest of the staff down the road, whether it be this season of future seasons.

And rare is the athlete who is forced to retire for virtually a whole season due to injuries, and then come back and earn a multi-year deal ... so good for Troy.

Previously on FanHouse:
Rays About to Trade for Matt Garza