Perez was released Monday by the Mets, who will pay his entire $12 million salary this season. If he reaches the majors, the Nationals would be responsible only for a pro-rated portion of the major-league minimum salary of $414,000.
He'll report to minor-league camp to work with pitching coordinator Spin Williams, his former pitching coach in Pittsburgh.
Meanwhile, the Nationals claimed left-hander Lee Hyde off waivers from the Braves, adding minor-league relief help. Hyde, 26, went 4-6 with a 3.41 ERA and eight saves in 51 combined appearances between Class AA Mississippi and Class AAA Gwinnett last season. He's been optioned to Class AAA Syracuse.
To make room for Hyde on the 40-man roster, the Nationals officially placed Stephen Strasburg on the 60-day DL.
32 comments:
Don't anyone worry - it's a minor league deal. There's a very good chance we'll neveer see him in a Washington uniform.
Syracuse is getting really crowded with starters!
That was my first thought then I realized he may not be starting.
Ugh. This guy's been showing everyone he's got nothing left all Spring. Can't believe this is anything but "let's throw it against the wall and see if it sticks". I look forward to the day these types of signings are some other orgs problem.
Mark... Perez never broke 88 on a gun this Spring. That's a big reason (that and no command) they released him.
Maybe Spin Williams is a miracle worker.
Why? Seems like a waste of time as the consensus I've heard is that Perez's problem is between his ears which is much more difficult to fix than mechanics. Whatever.
"I look forward to the day these types of signings are some other orgs problem."
Don't hold your breath. Every organizations reaches into the discount bin and grabs a handful.
The Nats will see what they got, see what they think they can do and move forward from there.
Low Risk. Lower Reward.
Citizen16,
Because it's a free shot; at his best Perez was one of the top lefties in the NL (and he's still young) If he fails you've lost nothing.
I really don't understand why people are bitching and moaning about this. The guy is pretty young, used to be a solid starter and will cost less than freakin Alberto Gonzalez. If he turns out to be a bust oh well it wasn't our money, it was the Lerners. The people who everyone used to complain about being cheap, now they throw some money at Perez and Wang and people complain. Make up your minds.
I just threw up in my mouth a little.
It will cost the Nats little, and Ollie will still get his payday.
Everybody wins...?
My NY Post the other day said "12 Million a win", he had three wins in three years. The guy is WAY past his prime. This reeks like the way the Nats use to do business. I am disappointed in Rizzo - big time.
Anon @4:21:
Right now, we have 20 pitchers who are presumably at the AAA level, not including Ollie. We have to lose 5 more pitchers from major league camp. We have a full roster of starters at AA and a nearly full 'pen. We have guys who are on their way up who need time on the mound and attention from coaches. It's hard to see how this acquisition helps.
WaPo says Ankiel has won the CF job. Seems like the worst option. They should trade Morgan or Bernie.
Unfortunately, CF doesn't really matter this year. Whoever is there is a placeholder until we get someone who can play the position and get on base.
This may mean they've had enough of Morgan and don't think Bernadina is a centerfielder.
... and just when I thought the Nats had finally turned the corner on developing a team worthy of our support.
Go Nats ... anyway!!
Tcostant,
Except we get him for free and if he doesn't regain his form we send him on his way. He is only 29 years old with no history of arm problems and if he regains the form that got him the $12 mil a year contract it's the steal of the year.
What exactly are you so disappointed about?
Looks like in the end, Rizzo sure likes those power pitchers over soft-tosser doesn't he?
Now he adds one from the left-side (Lee Hyde) to the Syracuse bullpen. I guess he is on the 40-man roster now?
Guess the date Morgan gets released.
My guess: 24 March
Guess the date Perez starts a game for the Washington Nationals.
My guess: Never
For a second, I thought Jim Bowden was still the GM.
I like the way you think, N. Cognito.
Morgan won't be released. He'll be optioned to AAA.
Morgan won't be released. He'll be optioned to AAA.
He probably is going to be asked if he would accept that. They may release him at his request.
Imagine, though, if he becomes Oliver Perez again! This is a win, I think. He gets out of NY, and they help him settle down and become a real pitcher again. And then we see what we have. Not much money. No downside for anyone, really... He was too good, and IS too young, to toss on a heap. I am predicting we will someday be really delighted that we did this. I know NatsJack thinks I'm nuts. That's okay. ;-)
he doesn't get a choice to accept it. he still has options left. there's no way they'll just release him. there's no reason to.
Okay, here's my guess: August 3rd after Gorzo bombs, Detwiler goes back on the DL, Marquis is traded at the deadline and they freak out because JZimm feels another tweak in his elbow.
They will option Morgan because they know they are gambling with the top of the order with no leadoff hitter. Along about the beginning of June when Desmond and Ankiel and therefore the entire offense are sputtering and generating about three runs per game on 1 solo homer and 1 2 run homer they will be looking for a spark. Morgan will be somewhere in the minors getting on base, running against minor league arms, stealling a lot of bases, scoring a lot of runs and generally creating all kinds of offensive pressure. He will be brought back in one more attempt to provide the spark on this team which they now do not have.
JaneB... I don't think you're nuts. I said maybe Spin Williams can work a miracle.
I hope he can, NatsJack! I hope he can!
Saw MLB Networks "30 Clubs in 30 Days" take on the Nats last night -- probably a repeat but I hadn't seen it before. Mitch Williams and Joe Magrane -- it was Magrane, wasn't it? -- were certainly much more positive about the Nats -- individually and collectively -- than most of the people on this list. Especially re: Lannan.
JD said...
What exactly are you so disappointed about?
A: I am disappointed because we don't need this headache. Energy spend on Perez should be used elsewhere.
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