Billy Wagner has some very pointed things to say about Oliver Perez’s woeful performance in Wednesday’s 13-1 nightmare against the Pirates. Willie Randolph wasn’t very happy with Perez, either, after he lasted just 1 2/3 innings. Mike Vaccaro also offers his usual fine insight, and we have a closer examination of the Mets’ fielding follies. All in all, not an encouraging picture as the Mets have the day off today before a six-game western trip that starts Friday in Arizona.

Brian Schneider, meanwhile, is out of the hospital and feeling a lot better after that scare with the staph infection in his left thumb. Our notebook also looks at the intimidating trio of pitchers the Mets will see in Phoenix.