OP Refuses Assignment To Minors; Teammates Angered

The Mets asked Oliver Perez to accept an assignment to AAA Buffalo, which he promptly refused.

Jerry Manuel, when asked after the game how Perez would be used, was hard-pressed for an answer. Manuel did stutter and stammer when he said, “That’s really a tough question. [Maybe] extra innings or something like that, but it’s going to be tough to find spots for him.”

Although un-named, two Mets players are tired of Perez and his antics, and are hinting that he isn't wanted on the team.

As Mike Puma writes in the NY Post, one player responded to Manuel's statement on when to use Perez, “What, we need another 20-inning game and then use him after we’ve used all our pitchers and if a position player’s sinker isn’t biting?”

Still quoting an "un-named" player, “You tell him you go to Triple-A or that’s it, you are finished."

Perez is still owed approximately $20M for the remainder of this year and next. Knowing this, a player still said, “At some point you have to cut bait. You owe him a lot of money, but for what?”

Perez, who thinks he's above pitching in the minors, sooner or later will have take a long look in the mirror. He, maybe unknowingly, is creating a stir, an unnecessary stir, in the Mets clubhouse. It appears he is unwanted. That's not good.

In all fairness to Perez, if teammates are going to talk to Mike Puma, or anyone from the media, and make strong statements about his attitude and his pitching, they should be man enough to have their name attached to the quote. Hiding behind the un-named player/source is cowardice, and if they feel so strong about a teammate, positive or negative, they should be man enough to put their name to the quote.

The Mets have not indicated they are willing to release Perez, who is guaranteed the money he was signed to in the 2008 off-season, but is it better to pay a guy whom you won't play, or flat out release him? Chances are he will clear waivers.

Tough decisions ahead for Omar and the Mets. But Ollie must realize he is hurting this team, and a true teammate does what he can to help his team win. Perez can do that by accepting an assignment to the minors. He can use his time there to work on his pitches and try to regain the 7 MPH he's lost off his fastball, as well as work on pounding the strike zone. He won't be given that opportunity in Flushing.

Time to man up Ollie. Be a good teammate and accept the assignment to AAA.