The Tampa Bay Rays signed Troy Percival to a two-year, $8 million dollar contract today:

Percival, who seems likely to supplant Al Reyes as the Rays closer, will be introduced to the media at 3 p.m. at Tropicana Field.

He pitched 40 stellar innings for the Cardinals in 2007. Even if his ERA goes up a run with the Rays, it's a good signing.

Percival, a favorite of Rays manager Joe Maddon when both were in Anaheim, is also considered a strong clubhouse leader and is expected to have a positive influence on the young pitching staff. He also joins Reyes and Dan Wheeler in giving the Rays three veteran relievers with late-innings experience.

Young starters and old relievers. We'll see how it works.