Reporters love talking to Billy Wagner because heâs never afraid to say exactly whatâs on his mind and, to use a favorite sportswriting phrase, can fill up your notebook. The Metsâ closer also had a very good point with his criticism of Oliver Perez for managing to last just 1 2/3 innings against the Pirates on Wednesday before melting down.
Thereâs no denying Perez has talent. His slider and curveball can be unhittable when the Mexican left-hander is focused. But the guy reminds me of a little kid with his wandering attention span.
Perezâs recent numbers back up Wagnerâs ire. After not allowing a run in three of his first four starts, Perez has now given up seven runs in his last two.
Even more frustrating for the Mets, Perez hasnât been able to make it out of the sixth inning since his first start of the year and hasnât pitched into the seventh inning in any of his six starts.
Also, Perez has walked 14 hitters in his past three starts, including five walks in that inexcusable five-out showing against the Pirates.
What makes this a difficult scenario for the Mets is that Perez is in his walk year and, with Scott Boras as his agent, is sure to test the free-agent market next winter.
Do the Mets let him bolt or pay big money while counting on him to mature? After all, Perez is only 26. I’m expecting they let him walk, but it could be interesting …
