Percival is NOT Philly bound

Imagine being married to the same beautiful woman for ten years.  Now imagine your wife, your amazing near perfect wife sleeping with a much younger, hotter version of you.  It's enough to send the strongest of men into an instant tale spin.  You, being so hurt by the new guy sleeping in your bed, do what any guy would do and start looking for a replacement.  So after checking out all the dating website you think you've finally found your match.  Sure she wasn't as perfect as the old ball in chain, but she was younger and hotter.  But as soon as things get serious you freak and make up some medical condition, and run off into the darkness. 

It's been over a year since you left your rebound relationship.  In that time span you've been lifting weights, getting into shape, and making some good money working for your ex wife's brother down by the docks.  And after much thought and consideration, you've come to the conclusion that you've dealt with your inner demons, and that you're ready to get back out there and date.  But now you're faced with a serious question: Do you go back to the young hotter version of your ex, full knowing that she's been dating A LOT since you've been gone, and has a pretty serious boyfriend who is over seas making a movie?  Or do you take a chance at a high school dance and try someone new?

That Phillies fans is exactly the question that faces 11 year veteran reliever Troy Percival.  Percival spent ten years with the LA/Anaheim Angels only to see them give the keys to the car to 25 year old Fransisco Rodriguez.  Percival then signed with the Detroit Tigers, only to see his health fail him, and send him into retirement.  He's been working with the Angels organization in their minor leagues since, and is now seeking a come back.  But to who?  Who will be the lucky winner of a 37 year old arm with 324 career saves?  Well I know the answer...

Not the Phillies.

And why would he want to sign with the Phillies?  Would any reliever in their right mind, especially one who's old and doesn't want to/couldn't handle a strenuous work load, want to sign with the Phillies?  No.

Percival pitched for the first time in almost a year yesterday and, "appears to be healthy." Seen among the spectators were the Indians, the Marlins, and the Tigers. 

The Tigers represent that old flame.  The rebound girl who you thought you had a connection with but couldn't tell because you got spooked.  Even though her soon to be boyfriend (Zumaya) is away shooting a movie (DL), and sure she's sorta dating a fatter version of you (Jones), does that really mean that you don't still yearn for the day of a second chance?

And there's the Indians.  They represent the random hot girl you meet at the Jersey shore, and no matter what happens from here on out, your relationship is just a summer fling.  She's currently dating someone at the moment (Borowski), but he doesn't treat her right, not like you could.

And finally there's the Florida Marlins.  They represent the girl who just dropped out of Junior College and wants to tick daddy off.  She's young, hot, and shows a lot of potential.  She's not dating anyone, and is eagerly looking for a boyfriend.

Those ladies an gentleman are the real suitors (but realistically only the Tigers and Indians have a shot)... unless the Yankees (the 50 year old divorce looking for a quick fix), or some random dark horse get involved.

Yes the Phillies do need help with their bullpen, but don't hold your breath waiting for Percival... cause you'll end up blue and on the floor laying in your own urine.