Those Mets

PEREZ SENT TO PEN

Jerry Manuel hinted strongly at the decision Friday night, and announced it Saturday: Beleaguered starter Oliver Perez is now a member of the Mets' bullpen. Manuel did not announce who would start in Perez's place on Wednesday in Washington, though Perez did say, "(Hisanori) Takahashi is pitching better than me." But asked if Manuel had informed him that Takahashi has taken his place, Perez said, "I don't know. "I don't like going to the bullpen, but I think this is better for the team," he said. Manuel hoped that in a shorter relief role, Perez would once again be able to throw his fastball in the 90s. "In going out there for an inning, he might let it go," Manuel said. "And when doing that, he might develop arm strength." Perez said he was not asked to go to the minor leagues - such a move would require his consent - but he would not be willing to do so. "I don't want to go there," he said. "I want to get better here." Manuel said a demotion to Triple-A was discussed internally, but never proposed to Perez. He added that several Triple-A Buffalo pitchers were candidates to replace Perez, though he declined to name them. After Perez, 28, allowed seven runs in 31/3 innings Friday night - the second consecutive start in which the lefty failed to get out of the fourth inning - the coaching staff sounded resigned about Perez's chances of improving. Perez is 0-3 with a 5.94 ERA. He is in the second season of a three-year, $36 million contract, and the Mets still hope to salvage some value for their significant investment. More troubling than Perez's numbers is the pitcher's diminished velocity. Perez has always been know for untapped potential, but his upside no longer seems as promising. He had knee surgery last season and has yet to rediscover the fastball that allowed him to strike out 239 batters as a Pirate in 2004. With a flat and slow fastball, Perez allowed four home runs Friday night. Perez insisted Saturday that he was healthy. "I feel fine," he said. The pitcher shook his head when asked if a move to the bullpen would help him by removing pressure. "No, I don't got pressure," he said. "I'm thinking about the team, I'm not thinking about me."