Omar Minaya’s Top 5 Best Moves – Countdown – #4 – Perez Acquired

Ok, so moving on from # 5 – The Lack of Zito – we move to something Minaya did act on. The acquisition of Oliver Perez from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Another huge steal came as Minaya traded Nady for Roberto Hernandez and Oliver Perez.  The Pirates had given up on Perez, but he’s already back to form with the Mets. Three-fifths of the current rotation came via shrewd trading by Minaya.

Ok, Ok…I know Nady is pretty solid, but we all know a (sometimes) tough lefty is a seriously valuable asset as a starter. Oliver Perez fits this bill perfectly. Although he is somewhat unpredictable, when he is on, he is simply a nightmare for opposing teams all over the NL (and AL ☺ )

In 2007 Oliver Perez went 15-10 with a 3.56 ERA and in 2008 Perez went 10-7 with a 4.22 ERA. Although these numbers are not overwhelming, they are still winning numbers, and I feel they will continue to get better. I feel that the Mets new pitching coach has already started to reach Perez, and that he will surpass the 15 win mark this season.

Anyways, that’s it for now, stay tuned for number 3!

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