MLB Free Agency: Oliver Perez yet to decide on team
By Hayden Kane
Free agent relief pitcher Oliver Perez has reportedly draw interest from a number of teams as a left-handed option out of the bullpen. Coming off a solid season for the Seattle Mariners, Perez was reportedly deciding between four teams at this time last week.
Nick Cafardo reported that a decision was expected soon.
Lefty Oliver Perez is deciding between four (unknown) teams. Should make a decision soon.
— Nick Cafardo (@nickcafardo) February 17, 2014
In 53 innings last season, Perez posted a 3.74 ERA and a 12.6 K/9 mark. While his career has also been associated with inconsistency at times, Perez still brings electric stuff as a lefty, something any team can use.
This morning Cafardo reports that no decision came from Perez as expected:
"The former Met and Mariner was supposed to decide on one of four teams late last week, but it didn’t happen. Perez had a good year in Seattle and seems to be a better option for the Yankees than Matt Thornton."
Down on Thornton in general, Cafardo mentions more than once in his Sunday notes that the Yankees need more help in the back of the bullpen. It is not clear, however, if this article had already gone to press (it is in an actual newspaper, after all) before the New York agreed to terms with Andrew Bailey late last night. That may or may not mean that the Yankees are still a fit for Perez.
The Washington Nationals have been among the other teams linked to Perez this off-season.