Perez may have made things more complicated by appearing competent on the mound, but don't let that fool you, he won't be on this team.
It was announced earlier today via the Daily News that Oliver is not factoring into the Mets rotation in 2011. This makes sense. The Mets have essentially three positions locked (Pelfrey, Dickey, Niese) with two more positions essentially locked by recent acquisitions (Capuano, Young) and then have two other players trying to break in (Gee, Misch). There is no room for Perez. Especially when you consider the hopeful return of Santana in July.
What that leaves for Perez is the bullpen. Terry has already stated that he has about two spots open in the bullpen, and there seems to be 7 or more players going for those two spots. For Perez to get one, the Mets have to have to say, “We Believe that Oliver Perez is more dependable and predictable than these other players. We believe he is more effective than these other players.” Although he did well today, can the Mets really say that with confidence?
That's why I feel the next appearance for Perez will be a big one as he will have to be as effective as he was yeas yesterday again to show that he could be a reliable arm in the pen.
I just don't see that happening.
