Cardinals Making a Pitch for Percival

OAKLAND —  The St. Louis Cardinals are actively pursuing a closer and have inquired about Angel right-hander Troy Percival, but it will take a substantial package for General Manager Bill Stoneman to consider trading his dominant right-hander.

“You’re not going to say no to anything, but right now we have the best closer in baseball,” Stoneman said. “There isn’t a closer throwing better than Troy right now. It’s fair game for teams to ask for what they want, and you never know what it might lead to, but nothing is imminent.”

Percival’s trade value has never been higher--he entered Monday night’s game with a 3-1 record, 0.90 earned-run average and 19 saves in 20 opportunities. Recovered from elbow and shoulder injuries that hampered him in 2000, Percival has given up 13 hits, struck out 33 and walked seven in 30 innings. His fastball hits 98 mph consistently, and his curve has been superb.

With the Angels out of the American League West race and 8 1/2 games off the wild-card pace entering Monday, players such as Percival, Garret Anderson and several pitchers are expected to garner much interest before the July 31 trade deadline.

St. Louis has been using Dave Veres in a closing role, but the right-hander with a 2.91 ERA and 11 saves in 13 opportunities is not overpowering.

Percival, who makes $3.45 million this season, will be a free agent after 2002, and though he is sound this season, a history of arm problems has raised questions about his long-term durability.

The Angels, however, have no candidates to replace Percival. Double-A right-hander Derrick Turnbow is being groomed as a closer, but he is out for the season because of elbow surgery.

Cal Ripken edged Seattle’s David Bell in balloting to become the American League’s starting all-star third baseman, greatly enhancing Angel third baseman Troy Glaus’ all-star chances.

Had Bell won the vote, Ripken, who recently announced he will retire at the end of the season, would have been selected as a reserve. With Ripken starting, Glaus, who had 21 homers and 52 runs batted in entering Monday, will likely be picked as a reserve.

TONIGHT

ANGELS’ PAT RAPP

(2-8, 4.45 ERA)

vs.

ATHLETICS’ BARRY ZITO

(4-6, 4.81 ERA)

Network Associates Coliseum, Oakland, 6 p.m.

TV--Channel 9. Radio--KLAC (570), XPRS (1090).

Update--Oakland first baseman Jason Giambi did not start Monday night because of a strained right calf, and he is listed as day to day. Angel pitcher Ismael Valdes, on the disabled list because of an inflamed shoulder, felt no ill effects from a bullpen workout Monday, and if he feels sound today, he will start Thursday against the A’s, with Ramon Ortiz pushed back to Friday’s interleague game in Colorado.