Perez headed for arbitration?
Oliver Perez and the Mets are scheduled for an arbitration hearing on Feb. 21 in St. Petersburg. Given that the two sides have yet to reach an agreement, and Perez -- or more accurately, his rep Scott Boras -- wants to be a free agent at the of this year, it looks like the Mets will have their first hearing in 16 years.
Perez has asked for $6.5 million and the Mets have offered $4.725 million.
"Right now I'm just trying to do my job and get ready for the season," Perez said. "That's outside the field."
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Comments (9)
So basically this guy who was probably pitching his way out of baseball until the Mets fixed him wants to test the market and not sign with them.
Jerk.
espo: There's never been any question of Perez's talents. It's his work habits that have been questioned. Under Peterson's tutelage
the results have been tangible at best as Perez still falls into bad habits with his mechanics. But he could be turning the corner regarding becoming a consistent winner. Plus he's got arguably the best agent in the business in Scott Boras. Boras is no fool. Average ML starters like T. Lily, J. Suppan, G. Meche are commanding 10MM annually in todays market. Perez is no different - he wants to get paid.
If Carlos Silva gets 4 years, $48 million, what will Perez get?
Thanks for breaking the streak of arbitration avoidance (unless you settle at the last minute) Boras!
Boras is ruining the game
If Boras wants Perez to be a free agent, then the Mets have a decision to make this spring. Offer Perez a long term Silva like contract now, and if he refuses it, trade him while his value is high. After all, why hold onto him and let his value increase without getting compensation .
Perez has stated in the past that he wants to return to SD or another city closer to Mexico. While this does smell like Boras don't be fulled that Perez has a say as well and he does want to go closer to home. Whether it be SD, LA, Phoenix or Houston unfortunately I think he is gone at years end.
correction should be "fooled" not fulled...
Metsman, I concur. The Mets will have a rotation hole to fill in 2009. Possibly more, as Pedro and El Duque are also free agents at season's end.