Whether or not there was a deadline, we’ll never know. But after a long, dragged out negotiation, Oliver Perez will return to the Mets for three more years, costing the team $36 million.
Mets fans know what they’re getting. Perez can either be the dominants ace, or throw batting practice to the other team. Ted Keith thinks the Mets are taking a gamble on Perez, with his potential being the upside. Here is what he has to say:
Perez is still searching for a level of consistency to match his talent level that once made him one of the game’s brightest prospects. He was alternately good enough to toss gems like a 7.2 IP, six-hit, one-run, 12-strikeout masterpiece against the eventual world champions Phillies in one start and a 3.1 IP, eight-hit, seven-run three-strikeout disaster against the lowly Nationals in another.
Omar Minaya targeted Perez all along for that potential. Sure, they made a low end offer to Lowe, but not enough to get him consider. Then, when the Braves gave him the money and years he wanted, it was a no-brainer.
Minaya said that he didn’t want to give four years to a 36 year-old. He said that kind of contract had never been handed out before.
In hindsight, he was making sure the Mets didn’t appear desperate. The same contract that Perez received was the same one offered to Lowe. Think about it, how could the Mets offer four-years, $14-16 million to Lowe, lose out, and then tell Perez, ‘We want you, but only $12 million dollars worth.’
This was the Mets plan all along. And while they may have liked to sign him for a little less, they got their guy. And not a moment to soon.
With less than two weeks before pitchers and catchers report, the Mets got the best pitcher remaining on the market. Ben Sheets was compelling, but Perez makes more sense.
- Sheets is injury prone and coming off a year when he pitched a lot of innings. Some people see that as a good sign, others see it as a bad sign. The Mets have enough potential break down candidates this year, they didn’t need another one.
- Perez balances out the Mets rotation with another left-hander. Sheets is dominant against right handed hitters, but mediocre against lefties. On the other hand, left-handed hitters batters hit only .158 against Perez. With lefty heavy teams like the Phillies lurking, it makes more sense to staff another south paw.
- Perez is younger, and has more upside. With Sheets, you know what you’re getting. A veteran ace, who is dominant… when he is on the mound. Perez has shown flashes of dominance, but overall, is inconsistent. If Perez can get a hold on his talent, he could be a bargain at $12 million a year.
So now you have it – the Mets 2009 starting rotation. Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey, John Maine, and Perez. Funny, it looks similar to last year (just like the offense), but with an upgraded bullpen, there is still a reason to hope in 2009.
Still, let’s hope the Mets make another move to upgrade the offense.
