Walking Away From Perez Would Be Criminal
By Mike Silva ~ January 9th, 2009. Filed under: Mike Silva.
Ken Rosenthal’s report, on last night’s Mets Hot Stove, about Oliver Perez stated that he “couldn’t find a GM who is interested in Perez, outside of Omar Minaya”. This puts the Mets in a position where it almost is criminal in letting Perez walk.
Despite reports that America’s most insignificant team (Atlanta) has their sights set on Lowe; it’s safe to say that the former Red Sox will be pitching in Citi Field. Regardless, the Mets could really set themselves up in the rotation by taking advantage of a thin Oliver Perez market.
Why is the market so thin? Despite Perez’s inconsistency, he still has put up more than serviceable numbers the last two years. Even in a bad economy you would think Perez could fetch a “Carlos Silva type contract”. It could be that teams feel Perez inconsistencies are more mental than physical, thus making a change of scenario problematic. It also could be they feel Boras will use them as leverage against New York. Whatever it is I can’t believe the interest will remain this low forever.
If Perez is available post Lowe-signing, than the Mets must scoop him up. Offer him a two year/ $20 million dollar deal. The last month we have discussed the Perez/Lowe situation ad naseum. At this point, if the market remains the same, walking about from Oliver Perez would be criminal.
January 9th, 2009 at 9:56 am
I’d offer Perez a two year deal, 8 mil this year 10 mil next year with some incentives. Otherwise, despite his stuff age etc., I think he is a frustrating .500 pitcher…. brilliant one time, horrible the next.
Since his market is non existent so far, maybe he would take it and hope that in 2 years when he is 28 or 29, conditions will be more favorable for him.
January 9th, 2009 at 10:52 am
They should sign Lowe, bring in Pedro (fifth starter) AND Redding (LR) in on a one year deal and pick up the draft picks they’d receive when Perez signs somewhere else. You don’t want to block Neise, Parnell or Holt from the big league club this season and next. Receiving draft picks by letting Perez walk will help to continue reloading the farm system. The front office not only needs to think about 2009, but also 2011 and 2012.
January 9th, 2009 at 11:33 am
Agreed, but they must sign Lowe first. Ollie isn’t anywhere near as good as Lowe, statistically.
Offer Ollie 2-3 years, $8-9 million a year. No other teams are interested for a reason…
January 9th, 2009 at 11:33 am
signing Perez in addition to Lowe makes so much sense it’s scary … Niese is not ready and he may never be ready …. who knows about Parnell …. Perez on a 2 or 3 year deal allows for Niese and Parnell to mature …. we also do have question marks in Maine (health) and Pelfrey (workload) from last season …. it’s the perfect insurance policy while adding depth …. then, if everything lines up, you have trade chips if you need them to add key pieces later.
January 9th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Niese will be ready, Ron, but I like the idea of giving him a year. Parnell is a reliever (and potentially a good one at that!).
But I strongly hope the Mets bring back Ollie. He is clearly not the world’s brightest whip, but is 27, just married, and about to move into his prime. I see no problem with a three year deal; in fact, if Boras gets the Braves to commit four years for Lowe, I say let him go and just sign Ollie. Wolf or Redding on a short term deal works in the interim in that scenario. 3/30. A great deal for the Mets with cash to invest elsewhere.