I took no heed of anything positive that came from the winter regarding Oliver Perez and his pitching. It didn’t matter anyway, because he struggled in the Winter League and now he is struggling in Spring Training.
And I don’t buy the old “it’s only Spring Training and the games don’t count” saying.
Everyone knows that Perez has something to prove and yesterday only proved to me that the Mets should dump this sorry excuse of a player. I’m sorry, for 12 million a year, Perez should be able to hold down a watered down Braves line up to at least 1 run. Especially, since Perez is already in “shape” from throwing all winter.
Let’s not even harp on the fact that he barely hit 84 on the gun and walked three batters in a row during his second inning of work. The Mets say they’re giving him until March 10 to prove he can start.
I don’t care what anyone says, if Perez can somehow find another 8 mph on his fastball, I’ll eat my Met cap and jersey. I think the Mets greatest fear is releasing Perez and and a team like the Phillies or Marlins pick him up and fixing him. In my opinion, he can’t be fixed, he can’t pitch, he can’t compete. If a team picks him up, let there GM do the explaining.
If they want to sell me on the fact that he could get lefties out, I’ll lease that thought, but I won’t buy it. It’s ok though, in a couple of weeks, he’ll prove that he can’t do that either.
Personally, I want to see the Mets move on and rid themselves of this nightmare of a player. Yeah, I am aware that the Wilpons might even have trouble making their payroll. But watching Perez another year, or at least another Spring Training start, puts this team behind the 8 ball yet again. I know Alderson stated that Perez has to make this team or he will be released. I think in a couple of weeks we’re going to see if he words stand true.
Until then we have to watch Perez walk the ball park and stuggle around the strike Zone.
How long do you think the Mets can continue to give Oliver Perez chances? What are your thoughts?
61 comments
kingman 26
2/28/2011-9:15am at 9:15 am (UTC -4)
Hey, what do you mean? Spring results mean NOTHING! Ollie was hitting 93 in Mexico! He’s been treated unfairly! He wants to pitch!!
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oliver Perez not hitting 92–93 regularly is not a major league pitcher. Wasn’t in 2009, wasn’t in 2010, won’t be in 2011.
I seriously think it is time for him to admit that his velocity in the old days was due to PED use.
Don’t worry my friend—he will be given 2 or 3 more chances to do this, and will then be optioned to AAA and released if he refuses to go.
He won’t see Citi Field–unless he pays to get in–the way he pitches now.
stickguy
2/28/2011-10:41am at 10:41 am (UTC -4)
If he was hitting 93 in Mexico, it must have been in kilometers.
I know you are being snarky about the positive lining folks, but I honestly don’t recall any reports from Mexico that indicated he had anything left.
kingman 26
2/28/2011-10:50am at 10:50 am (UTC -4)
Only being snarky towards ONE folk.
kistics
2/28/2011-10:22am at 10:22 am (UTC -4)
Beltan expected to move to RF because his knee still bothers him.
Oh boy….
Prismo
2/28/2011-10:26am at 10:26 am (UTC -4)
But a couple weeks ago he and the Mets said he was the healthiest he’s been in years!
Once again, we’ve been lied to. Getting used to it now.
I hope we have a contingency plan for RF, because I don’t expect Beltran there the entire season, if even half of it.
Prismo
2/28/2011-10:37am at 10:37 am (UTC -4)
From Davidoff (this is NO attack on him, just happened to grab it from a piece of his) on February 18th:
“word here is that Beltran is in very good shape – better health than at any point last year. He even has started running without wearing a brace on his right knee”
And now he’s not fit to even play DH yet, there’s “no timetable,” and he’s moving to RF.
stickguy
2/28/2011-10:44am at 10:44 am (UTC -4)
I thought they said at the beginning of camp that he was going to take the 1st week to complete his running program before moving onto games? Or was that supposed to include DH duty too?
probably another case of needing to get the full story, before overreacting (potentially) to a tweet.
I thought we all expected (and wanted) him to move to RF?
But, if he does go down, it certainly puts a hurt on the playoff chances! Though it does create an opening for my man Duda!
Prismo
2/28/2011-10:47am at 10:47 am (UTC -4)
Yes, figured he’d probably end up in RF. Just absolutely sick of conflicting reports in the media.
I’d rather start with low expectations and get good news, than for people to somehow think he’s healthy, and eventually tell us that he’s not 100% (even though there have been no new events).
metsfan4decades
2/28/2011-10:53am at 10:53 am (UTC -4)
I’m not sure how much I actually read in media articles as opposed to tweets.
Even so, I’m willing to give the benefit of the doubt that Beltran did arrive in great shape (knee notwithstanding) and that he was going to start out w/o the brace. It’s highly possible the more he got into his routine, the more pain he felt, the more he realized if he wanted to get as much mileage as he can with that surgically repaired knee, moving to RF was an option.
Although RF in Citi is no picnic either.
kistics
2/28/2011-11:02am at 11:02 am (UTC -4)
Maybe his knees were feeling great until the running exercises. Then they are sore….
Mr North Jersey
2/28/2011-1:19pm at 1:19 pm (UTC -4)
It wasnt like the Mets sent out a press release saying Beltran was running without a brace. Davidoff was the only one to report the running without a brace story based on what he said was “word here”.
http://mobile.newsday.com/inf/infomo;JSESSIONID=E20995521176BD59351D.3068?site=newsday&view=sports_blogs_item&feed:a=newsday_5min&feed:c=sports_blogs&feed:i=1.2697219&nopaging=1
What word here means who knows?
I do know that none of the Mets released anything but to say what has been reported when beltran arrived. which was he wanted to finish his running program before giving them an honest decision as far as CF is concerned.
kistics
2/28/2011-10:47am at 10:47 am (UTC -4)
I think Hairston or Harris could fill in one or two days a week.
Otherwise, I think FMart could be an option (with his wonderful defense) as an everyday RF. There’s also Duda…
kingman 26
2/28/2011-10:53am at 10:53 am (UTC -4)
You are so right Prismo.
The lies became an overt part of the organization’s way of doing business the day after the end of 2009 when Jeff and Omar went on WFAN and they have not really stopped.
Too bad, but definitely just par for the course for folks like the Wilpons and their minions.
Mr North Jersey
2/28/2011-1:21pm at 1:21 pm (UTC -4)
Again I am trying to see where the Mets said anything other than what was said the day Beltran arrived regarding the process of how Beltran was going to be handled?
Prismo
2/28/2011-10:56am at 10:56 am (UTC -4)
And for the record, I’m absolutely fine with Carlos moving to RF. Even if he was “healthy” I’d rather see him in RF, if for no other reason than to decrease the stress on his knees.
stickguy
2/28/2011-11:00am at 11:00 am (UTC -4)
it really makes sense for him anyway. He has to know at this point no team is signing him for multiple years starting in 2012 expecting him, at his age, to be a regular CF.
so might as well move to the corner now, and try to play more games and put up bigger numbers.
He should go to the Red Sox. Do they have anyone special for LF these days? If Manny could handle that small area, Beltran could play it using a walker. ANd DH some
stickguy
2/28/2011-11:01am at 11:01 am (UTC -4)
damn. soon as I hit submit, I remembered they signed Crawford!
OK, so how about RF?
Prismo
2/28/2011-10:43am at 10:43 am (UTC -4)
While I’d rather talk about Beltran than Ollie (because I don’t think Ollie will make the team), I should comment on this nice piece Gonzo wrote!
Ollie was barely feasible as a starter with a FB in the low-mid 90s, so how can we expect him to be feasible with a FB in the mid-upper 80s? It’s just not going to happen. He’s done, it’s a wrap. We’re just wasting valuable ST innings that another, better, pitcher could be using.
stickguy
2/28/2011-10:49am at 10:49 am (UTC -4)
I agree. Nice piece. And Ollie I think cemented the fact that he needs to go with this outing.
Even worse was the fact that he pitched over the winter, so in theory, he should be in “mid season” form. Though I guess for him, he is!
At this stage of ST though I don’t thik he is taking innings away. There are plenty of games to go around now, so they are going to see everyone they need to.
march 10 is an interesting date. Probably gets them past the getting work in stage, to where the “real” options are starting to fight for the job!
kistics
2/28/2011-10:52am at 10:52 am (UTC -4)
He’ll get his fair share of chances even if he get bombed like this. I can see him staying with the team for another 2-3 weeks.
stickguy
2/28/2011-10:56am at 10:56 am (UTC -4)
probably. ALmost 2 weeks until that march 10 cut-off.
If he looks this horrid after another 3 outings (so 2 weeks or so) then he will be axed. Probably once it is 100% clear no team will take him for any return, he goes.
metsfan4decades
2/28/2011-10:48am at 10:48 am (UTC -4)
I don’t understand how you lose some 7 MPH or so from your fb when you have no apparent arm/shoulder issues. Even if it had something to do with PED use, he had that low 90s fb in 2007. So you think he was taking a chance still using PEDs as late as 2007?
And no….I don’t want him coming out of the BP either as the LOOGY. In a good year, you never knew what you were getting from Ollie, start to start. We can’t be holding our breaths every time he comes in from the BP – wondering if he’ll walk the park or get the out.
I don’t much care if another team picks him up and fixes him – even on the Mets dime. I think that chance is slim but even if it does work out that way, at least he won’t be on the Mets staff anymore. It’s obvious no one here can do anything with him.
stickguy
2/28/2011-10:52am at 10:52 am (UTC -4)
the only injury he had was the knee, but that was supposed to be fixed and not causing any problems. At this point, it is hard to imagine that being the issue.
Real posted FB ave. speeds at one pint, and I don’t think it is really 7 mpg. Maybe 4? something like 91-92 down to 87-88 during the season?
whatever, with even worse control it screams of his mechanics being fouled up. ANd since warthen has proven he has no clue ship him out.
metsfan4decades
2/28/2011-10:58am at 10:58 am (UTC -4)
O.K. – I was going by the 85 mph (tops) clocked for his innings worked in yesterday’s game. 85 vs. 91 would be a loss of 6.
I also read somewhere yesterday that speculation was the radar guns were off for everyone. If they were, and his fb was a bit faster – the fact that he gave up all those walks would point to poor mechanics and/or really poor in-game pitching plan.
And these guys he was pitching against were not exactly all mid season form major leaguers……
Prismo
2/28/2011-11:06am at 11:06 am (UTC -4)
You know what’s really scary?
According to Fangraphs, from 2007 to 2010 his average FB velocity went from 91.9 to 89.1, but his average Changeup velocity went from 81.1 to 85.2!!!
His change and FB are almost the same velocity. FAIL.
stickguy
2/28/2011-11:10am at 11:10 am (UTC -4)
I’m no pitching guru, but that seems to scream mechanics to me! Unless a knee issue can cause that?
or maybe th eknee problem led him to change his already poor mechanics?
Actually, I really don’t care. Let him go away. I don’t even mind if Duncan “fixes” him, since it will prove that I was right about Warthen!
Prismo
2/28/2011-10:54am at 10:54 am (UTC -4)
All good points 4D!
If we’re so desperate for a starter at some point in the season, I’d rather see Mejia/Gee/etc struggle than see Ollie struggle.
stickguy
2/28/2011-11:11am at 11:11 am (UTC -4)
at this point, I would suspect that you could stick Cahoon out there, and he would be overall more successful than Ollie.
stickguy
2/28/2011-10:55am at 10:55 am (UTC -4)
someone mentioned being worried about another team picking him up and “fixing” him.
Well, the Phils and Braves both have full rotations, and better options. so no worries there. The marlins? who cares? ANd let the Yankees get him. Should be high comedy seeing him pitch home games in a bandbox, and in the Al east. I hope the yanks doo get him!
Bryan
2/28/2011-10:56am at 10:56 am (UTC -4)
No way he makes the team, he’s only got about 10 more days to prove he can start, and there is way too much competition in the bullpen for him to prove he deserves one of the few available spots.
stickguy
2/28/2011-11:03am at 11:03 am (UTC -4)
yeah, the pen so far seems like (barring a slwe of injuries) it will be hard to get down to 7.
and it is really not likely they wil lwant someone that is a walk machine out there!
kistics
2/28/2011-10:58am at 10:58 am (UTC -4)
I’m more worried about Castillo than Ollie.
IMO there’s a greater chance that he makes the team than Ollie. Am I wrong?
Prismo
2/28/2011-11:01am at 11:01 am (UTC -4)
You’re right, but if I had to pick one or the other to start, I’d rather have Castillo. The sad fact is that if neither Emaus or Murphy can play adequate defense, we really don’t have an option right now at 2B. Hopefully Havens stays healthy and can become our Utley at some point!
metsfan4decades
2/28/2011-11:04am at 11:04 am (UTC -4)
Well, Utley pre 2009, at least. He’s been battling chronic injuries problems for at least 2 years now. Word is an MRI done a couple of days shows tendonitis in one of his knees.
stickguy
2/28/2011-11:08am at 11:08 am (UTC -4)
patella tendonitis. Supposedly has had it in the past, and that it comes and goes. And of course, they are downplaying the hell out of it (Only ST, he could play if it was real games, etc.).
kistics
2/28/2011-11:12am at 11:12 am (UTC -4)
I cannot see their offense as potent as it used to be. Rollins needs to stay healthy, Vicky is nothing without protection around him, Utley hobbling around, Ibanez is old, Werth is gone.
I know they’re still the favorites (rightfully so), but I don’t see them as unbeatable.
stickguy
2/28/2011-11:27am at 11:27 am (UTC -4)
there was also some talk about moving vickey to the 5 hole. He likes to be a hacker anyway!
metsfan4decades
2/28/2011-11:02am at 11:02 am (UTC -4)
In my opinion, you are not wrong.
Castillo came in weight down, in shape and has been looking good in play so far.
However, I still contend Castillo wants out of NY as much as the fans want him gone. So here’s hoping the showcasing is enough to get someone to bite on a trade, even if we have to eat some of the money.
kistics
2/28/2011-11:08am at 11:08 am (UTC -4)
He has no power, little speed, no range, cannot hit for average. But can draw walks and doesn’t strike out much.
I just don’t see any team interested in him unless he’s a backup…
stickguy
2/28/2011-11:06am at 11:06 am (UTC -4)
I am with them. I thought all along that Castillo had a chance, but Ollie was just going through the motions (by the team).
Still hoping that Castillo goes, just for a mental purging for the fans.
If they just want defense and will give up all pretext of offense, let Hu or Tejada play, with a guy like Turner for when you need more stick or a flyball pitcher is going!
I don’t care that Castillo is smooth around the bag. He still lets too many balls scoot by, and is worthless offensively (even more so hitting in the 8 hole).
metsfan4decades
2/28/2011-11:11am at 11:11 am (UTC -4)
Agreed.
Never mind the SP, what’s the pool over/under on how many guys we see playing 2nd base this year?
Prismo
2/28/2011-11:17am at 11:17 am (UTC -4)
5.5 is the O/U
Last year there were 6 guys.
kistics
2/28/2011-11:14am at 11:14 am (UTC -4)
Agreed. You’re not getting any offensive productions out of him anyways, might as well go younger (and better range) with Tejada or Hu.
Prismo
2/28/2011-11:18am at 11:18 am (UTC -4)
If you get no Offensive Prod from Castillo, then Tejada must give negative offensive production. He stinks!
kistics
2/28/2011-11:25am at 11:25 am (UTC -4)
The only thing that Luis does better than Tejada is drawing walks. But Tejada absolutely crushed him in HR and Doubles numbers last season over Luis.
kistics
2/28/2011-11:27am at 11:27 am (UTC -4)
2Bs – Tejada 15 vs Castillo 4
HR – Tejada 1 vs Castillo 0
stickguy
2/28/2011-11:29am at 11:29 am (UTC -4)
castillo only managed 4 doubles? I guess that explains the .260ish slugging %!
and it was pretty close, if you base it on OPS+, they both sucked but it was not much different.
kistics
2/28/2011-11:32am at 11:32 am (UTC -4)
Yup. But Tejada is a much better option at 2B.
I’m also impressed by Valdespin and his defense.
oleosmirf
2/28/2011-11:44am at 11:44 am (UTC -4)
disagree. Tejada was awful at the plate and needs more time in AAA.
oleosmirf
2/28/2011-11:21am at 11:21 am (UTC -4)
The only way Castillo should make the team is if he is far and away the best option. The Mets are not contenders so if Murphy’s defense costs them a few runs here or there then we should be able to live with it.
If Castillo is only slightly better then you go with the younger guys and have them grow into the position.
stickguy
2/28/2011-11:30am at 11:30 am (UTC -4)
Castillo is such a black hole in the batting order that I really can’t see his mediocre (yet smooth looking!) defense saving more runs than you lose having him bat.
oleosmirf
2/28/2011-11:39am at 11:39 am (UTC -4)
it depends on which Castillo we see and where he bats in the order. If Castillo gets his average above .280 and bats 8th, he wont be an issue although Murphy’s bat is a huge upgrade.
kistics
2/28/2011-11:53am at 11:53 am (UTC -4)
I think even Hu or Harris would be an upgrade offensively than Castillo.
stickguy
2/28/2011-11:43am at 11:43 am (UTC -4)
the guy that can elimnate the castillo problem is Havens. Just go out and have a huge spring, and win the damned job!
yes, I am kidding (sot of). But Havens looking good could actually sway the decision, of they think he might be ready to come up in a couple of months.
metsfan4decades
2/28/2011-11:55am at 11:55 am (UTC -4)
We all know Ike was called up earlier than he should have been. Didn’t really affect him too much as he had to hit a curve better in the majors, went through a bit lengthy slump, but managed to make the adjustments in Sep. I don’t know enough about Havens to know if he’s even close to ready, should he show steady numbers the first couple of months, to be called up.
Our own Bryan doesn’t have him on his top ten prospect list, which is down to #2. Not unless he’s going to be revealed tomorrow at No. 1……
kistics
2/28/2011-12:05pm at 12:05 pm (UTC -4)
I thought he was in the top 10 list…
metsfan4decades
2/28/2011-12:14pm at 12:14 pm (UTC -4)
I stand corrected. You’re right – he’s #5.
When I clicked the Minor League link up top, those articles listed there were missing the #5 prospect – and I didn’t notice that.
Just went back one by one through posts to find it.
oleosmirf
2/28/2011-12:25pm at 12:25 pm (UTC -4)
I personally have Havens as our #1 prospect.
Prismo
2/28/2011-12:16pm at 12:16 pm (UTC -4)
I don’t think Ike was called up earlier than he should’ve been. Who else was going to (realistically) play first? He was definitely the best option, even if he was raw!
metsfan4decades
2/28/2011-12:57pm at 12:57 pm (UTC -4)
Oh, no one – I agree. But from all indications, the plan was to get Ike about 1/2 a season down at AAA before being called up and possibly replacing Murph (who was originally slated to play first last season). With the failed experiment of Jacobs, etc., Ike was brought up about 3 weeks into the season, if I remember correctly.
Otherwise….when Murph went down – and as good a spring as Ike had, why didn’t they just start the season with him? I always thought it was b/c they didn’t think he was quite ready.
Dirtysanchez
2/28/2011-1:08pm at 1:08 pm (UTC -4)
I think ollie would benefit from just playing somewhere else. While Collins and Sandy could give him a clean slate, he has been stuck in this rut for 3 years now. He might be a “change of scenery” type of player…either way I really dont give a damn, I dont want him on this team. Let somebody else deal with it.