Oliver Perez Getting Chance at Bullpen Before Release

Some thought the relationship between Oliver Perez and the New York Mets would end this week.  However, the latest reports say the left hander will get a chance to make the team as a reliever first.

When Sandy Alderson was hired as Mets general manager this offseason, he said Perez would get a chance to make the team. They gave him a few starts this spring. Those starts showed poor results and declining velocity.

So far this spring training, Perez has appeared in three games, including two starts. In seven innings on the mound, he has given up ten hits, seven earned runs, and five walks. His spring ERA is an even 9.00.  Opponents are hitting .345 against Perez.

In 2010, Perez made seven starts and appeared in a total of 17 games. He finished the season 0-5 with a 6.80 ERA.

Mets fans are fed up with the once promising lefty and have been calling for his release for quite some time. Perez, along with second baseman Luis Castillo are not on good terms with Mets fans.

There is no reason to believe Perez will suddenly put it together and make a strong impression out of the bullpen. The Mets could use a left handed specialist out of the bullpen, but due to his inability to throw strikes at a consistant rate, Perez is not an ideal fit.

Expect to see him released, likely after just one or two more bad outings. That should happen before the end of the month, the beginning of the regular season.

Back in 2009, then GM Omar Minaya signed Perez to a three-year, $36 million contract. By releasing Perez, the Mets will be eating $12 million.