The Oliver Perez Disaster

So when someone says there's no harm in bringing Oliver Perez to camp since we're paying him anyway, I strongly disagree. In fact, I think each day that he remains on the roster, he's costing the Mets money. ... Despite all the good they've done this off season, every time there's a bad pitching report on him or a chance he could be cut that he's not, the negative sentiment is reinforced. ... every mention of Perez only makes it even harder for this front office to climb out from under the negativity that surrounds this organization. ... Yes, eating $12 million is going to hurt, but how much more is he costing them everyday that he stays.

Ed Ryan, Mets Fever

Last Friday, in this video, Ted Berg asked me about Perez and Luis Castillo, and I said: “Ollie will get a shot to compete as a reliever. I don’t think he’ll be in the rotation. I know what the team is saying in public, but in private, when they get there, I think he’ll end up working out with relief pitchers to see if he’s capable of that role. I’m not saying he’s the front-runner to be the last guy in the bullpen or the lefty specialist, but I do think he’ll be given the opportunity. And, frankly, with that salary, I can understand why. I think if he gets beaten out, by say Mike O’Conner or Tim Byrdak or some other guy out performs him, and it comes down to taking the better talent or this guy who is underperforming and making $12 million, I think they’ll cut Perez – I really do.”

I see no real harm in this, so long as Terry Collins can properly manage the situation, the media and Perez’s teammates. At this point, contrary to what Ed speculates on in the above link, I don’t think Sandy Alderson, the Wilpons or even the ticket department care about any lingering negativity among fans in regards to Perez. It is what it is. I’m sure they’re used to it. The thing is, while they’re paying him either way, it’s not like they’ve got the makings of the greatest bullpen in history. Remember, if all the fringe guys perform equally, O’Conner or Byrdak can be sent to Triple-A Buffalo. So, Perez could stick through April, then if he fails, the Mets can bring up Byrdak and see what happens, and if he fails they can bring up O’Conner. But, to cut Perez to satisfy fan emotions, and limit roster flexibility early in the year, would be foolish.

The key is this: If Perez sucks, and O’Conner or Byrdak are terrific, If – IF – in that situation Sandy keeps Perez, oh boy… look out. I’ll lose it, and so will other fans. Sandy and his staff strike me as people who only intend to take the best, most talented 25 players. Period. End of story. If they don’t, and they do what Omar Minaya did, that is when the real, deep-seeded negativity will kick in… I guarantee it.