November 28, 2007
Good Help is Hard to Find
Doug Melvin doesn't like his choices among the free agent relievers:
After losing closer Francisco Cordero and set-up man Scott Linebrink to free agency, Melvin is looking for reinforcements for late-inning duty. The three top names remaining on the free-agent market with closing on their resumés are Eric Gagne, Troy Percival and Octavio Dotel.
Melvin has checked in with the agents for Percival and Dotel, and said he'll probably do likewise with Gagne. But he said that the injury histories of all three relievers make him nervous, particularly with the deals they are seeking.
"All the relievers are looking for three- or four-year deals," Melvin said. "There's a risk involved in doing that with relievers who have been injured."
If other teams agree with Melvin on the injury risk, then the number of years they are seeking might drop. Given Percival's excellent 2007 season, he might be the best bet of the bunch.