Percival Wants to Check His Value

Troy Percival would love to finish his career in Anaheim, and he’d be willing to sign a one- or two-year deal at his current salary -- $8 million a year -- if the Angels want to retain him this winter.

But the closer the 35-year-old right-hander gets to free agency, the more the thought of testing the market appeals to the Angel closer.

“I’ve been under contract for 10 years, this is my hometown and I love it here,” said Percival, who got his 300th save on July 28. “But since we’ve taken it all the way to September, let’s see what’s out there; let’s see what happens.

“It would be nice to see what other teams think about you. You always know what your own team thinks, but it would be nice to get other offers, to know someone else thinks you have something left.”

Percival, who sat out most of June because of an inflamed elbow, has shown he has something left. After coming off the disabled list June 27, he has converted 15 of 16 save opportunities, and he has a 3.16 earned-run average and 28 saves.

The velocity of his fastball has returned to the 95-mph range, he has gained better command of his curveball and changeup, “and with those pitches, I actually think I have a chance to be better at my job in the future,” Percival said.

The Angels, though, might hand setup man Francisco Rodriguez the closer job in 2005, let Percival go and use the savings from Percival to address other needs or reduce their $112-million payroll.

“It’s up to them,” Percival said. “I don’t think anyone could argue with whatever direction they go.”

General Manager Bill Stoneman, in Seattle conducting organizational meetings with the coaching staff, declined to discuss his thoughts about Percival and third baseman Troy Glaus, the Angels’ other high-profile free-agent-to-be.

Rodriguez’s role has expanded throughout the season -- in addition to his 1.89 ERA and 111 strikeouts, he has 12 saves -- and the 22-year-old right-hander is clearly the Angels’ closer of the future.

Percival, though, has no desire to share the closer job or return to a setup role.

“That doesn’t work,” Percival said. “You have to have defined roles in the bullpen. If they think Frankie is ready, that’s the way it goes. It’s not my decision to make. And I wouldn’t be a setup man, because I can still be one of the better closers in the game.”

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The Angels went one for three in coin flips Wednesday to determine home-field advantage if a one-game playoff is necessary to determine the American League West champion or wild-card entrant. If the Angels tie with Oakland, they will play in Angel Stadium; if they tie with Texas or Boston, the Angels will travel to Ameriquest Field in Arlington or Fenway Park for a playoff game.... Third-base prospect Dallas McPherson has turned down an invitation to play in the Dominican Winter League because he is engaged to be married in mid-December.