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Monday, February 23, 2009

Nationals Release Holdout Perez

BREAKING-off NEWS!

Today, the Nationals released Perez, 31, terminating the waiting game that began almost two weeks ago when the left-hander decided not to report to camp. On Feb. 5, Perez had signed a non-guaranteed minor league contract with Washington, a deal that would pay him $850,000 if he made the club. But after Perez signed the deal, he regretted it. He held out for a better deal. He never reported to spring training. He cut off all contact with the team.

Finally, the Nationals cut ties, and the only other question is whether Perez knows the news.

“He would not return our phone calls, and after talking internally with [Manager] Manny Acta and [pitching coach] Randy St. Claire and the organization, we all feel it’s important that we want players here than want to be here and want to help us win, so we made that decision this morning,” General Manager Jim Bowden said.

“Well, we left messages yesterday for his agent, left messages for him, again I left messages again this morning, and they’ve made their point really clear, and so we thanked Odalis; he did a good job for us last year, and we appreciate all he did for us, and obviously we’re disappointed it turned out this way, but at the same time we need to turn the page. We’ve got a lot of pitchers in camp that are committed to helping us win, and we want players that want to be here.”

Repoz Posted: February 23, 2009 at 06:06 PM | 74 comment(s) | Login to Bookmark
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1. Esoteric Posted: February 23, 2009 at 06:11 PM (#3083809)

WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON WITH MY TEAM? AAARRRGGGHH[fist through screen]

2. A One-Shoed Craig K Posted: February 23, 2009 at 06:13 PM (#3083813)

Awww. Pujols needed someone to hit .950 with 20 homers off of.

E: oh sorry, .609/.719/1.391 with 6 HRs in 32 PAs against.

3. RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) Posted: February 23, 2009 at 06:16 PM (#3083817)

But after Perez signed the deal, he regretted it. He held out for a better deal. He never reported to spring training. He cut off all contact with the team.

I'm pretty sure the Dodgers regretting signing Odalis to a contract a few years ago, but you didn't see them welshing out of it.

4. Guapo Posted: February 23, 2009 at 06:20 PM (#3083821)

The Dominican Republic = Jim Bowden's Personal Hell

5. The District Attorney Posted: February 23, 2009 at 06:22 PM (#3083825)

They must have found out he was really Oliver Perez.

6. HowardMegdal

Posted: February 23, 2009 at 06:26 PM (#3083828)

They must have found out he was really Oliver Perez.

No thanks to that trade!

But I'm thinking Odalis was on his way to camp, but got directions from Pascual Perez.

7. RJ in TO Posted: February 23, 2009 at 06:29 PM (#3083832)

I'm pretty sure the Dodgers regretting signing Odalis to a contract a few years ago, but you didn't see them welshing out of it.

It was a non-guaranteed deal. They had yet to guarantee that he was going to get paid, so he had yet to guarantee that he was going to show up.

8. Pasta-diving Jeter (jmac66) Posted: February 23, 2009 at 06:29 PM (#3083835)

They must have found out he was really Oliver Perez.

No thanks to that trade!

But I'm thinking Odalis was on his way to camp, but got directions from Pascual Perez.

turns out they're all the same person

(and they're all 4 years older than each other)

9. Best Regards, Larry Mahnken (Dewey is a slacker) Posted: February 23, 2009 at 06:30 PM (#3083837)

WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON WITH MY TEAM? AAARRRGGGHH[fist through screen]

I'm impressed that you were able to find the submit button after destroying your monitor.

10. Crispix Attacks Posted: February 23, 2009 at 06:33 PM (#3083844)

See, he punched his monitor with one fist, and hit "submit" with the other after already positioning the mouse in the right place.

That earlier article about Odalis's unhappiness said he had only agreed to a verbal agreement, and then declined to sign anything after he thought about it further. Which is right?

11. TerpNats Posted: February 23, 2009 at 06:45 PM (#3083860)

If the team really wanted to make me happy, simply change the final two words in that headline from "holdout Perez" to "Jim Bowden."

12. The Piehole of David Wells, Red Sox Colostomy Bag

Posted: February 23, 2009 at 06:47 PM (#3083863)

who's going to sign him now to a better deal? this guy is a moron. now he's going to get at best a non-guaranteed minor league deal for league minimum.

13. Chris Needham Posted: February 23, 2009 at 06:48 PM (#3083869)

Why no "execute?"

14. Dewey, Steven Wright Wannabe and Soupuss Posted: February 23, 2009 at 06:49 PM (#3083870)

Operation Shutdown!

15. Steve Sparks Flying Everywhere Posted: February 23, 2009 at 06:53 PM (#3083873)

Clearly this global depression hasn't hit the DR, as Perez is comfortable walking away from $850K.

16. bfan Posted: February 23, 2009 at 06:59 PM (#3083883)

Is it a viable strategy for a guy like this to wait around until some team in contention gets a series of arm injuries and needs an MLB ready starter who is rested, by definition (say, this occurs in June or July)? It is kind of the Clemens startegy with a twist.

17. Greg (U)K Posted: February 23, 2009 at 06:59 PM (#3083884)

Yeah this is the first I'm hearing of Perez signing anything. 3 days ago it was a "verbal agreement".

Can anyone clarify?

18. Margo Adams FC Posted: February 23, 2009 at 07:05 PM (#3083894)

His agent agreed to a term sheet, but Odalis balked when he learned of his salary. And he wasn't wrong to be mad. He just needed Tim Redding's agent. Or Josh Garland's.

19. Greg (U)K Posted: February 23, 2009 at 07:08 PM (#3083898)

AreHigh School Football players allowed to have agents?

I apologize for being a dick, I've just recently learned how to post links and so I am doing so at every possible opportunity to hone my skills.

EDIT: Clearly I am still not operating at 100%. Damn you no-space between word and link!

20. RB in NYC (Now with New Running Goal!) Posted: February 23, 2009 at 07:29 PM (#3083914)

Is it a viable strategy for a guy like this to wait around until some team in contention gets a series of arm injuries and needs an MLB ready starter who is rested, by definition (say, this occurs in June or July)? It is kind of the Clemens startegy with a twist.

Sure. But is anyone going to be so desperate for pitching that they'll give Odalis a contrac that pro-rated is more than $850,000? This seems like a direly stupid move.

21. bfan Posted: February 23, 2009 at 07:33 PM (#3083918)

Well, look where the Braves were last year, after Smoltz; Hudson; Glavine; and Hampton went down. Difference there is that they were no longer (or never were) in contention, but a well-rested guy to come in and pitch league-replacement or better, in June, to keep your team afloat for a couple of months? It could happen.

22. Srul Itza Posted: February 23, 2009 at 07:38 PM (#3083927)

Clearly this global depression hasn't hit the DR, as Perez is comfortable walking away from $850K.

He has earned over $30 million in his career. You have to think that, even after taxes, that goes a long way in the Dominican Republic. I imagine he can afford to wait for an offer that is to his liking. He might even be willing to take less to play for somebody other than the Nationals.

23. Tripon Posted: February 23, 2009 at 07:39 PM (#3083928)

24. Crispix Attacks Posted: February 23, 2009 at 07:47 PM (#3083938)

He has earned over $30 million in his career. You have to think that, even after taxes, that goes a long way in the Dominican Republic. I imagine he can afford to wait for an offer that is to his liking. He might even be willing to take less to play for somebody other than the Nationals.

Exactly right. And also true: last year he took a 90% pay cut from the (grossly inflated) contract the Dodgers had given him earlier, and then he had the best season he'd had in four years. And then they offer him exactly the same contract he had in 2008, but not even guaranteed. That is a bit insulting.

25. Esoteric Posted: February 23, 2009 at 07:54 PM (#3083946)

See, he punched his monitor with one fist, and hit "submit" with the other after already positioning the mouse in the right place.

This is correct.

Also, I fixed the monitor.

26. Shooty: Applying to be Fearless Leader

Posted: February 23, 2009 at 08:01 PM (#3083952)

Also, I fixed the monitor.

Like any of us believe you broke it, Sissy-fist.

27. Tripon Posted: February 23, 2009 at 08:02 PM (#3083953)

Like any of us believe you broke it, Sissy-fist.

Who has $200 bucks for a new LCD monitor? (I'm assuming that anyone replacing a monitor would look to upgrade to the best possible choice.)

28. Esoteric Posted: February 23, 2009 at 08:05 PM (#3083956)

Like any of us believe you broke it, Sissy-fist.

Hey, it ain't my monitor. Let the firm take care of it.

Also, all the bones in my left hand are broken. Think I might've severed a tendon or two in there as well. Hurts like you wouldn't believe.

29. Alex Vila Posted: February 23, 2009 at 09:15 PM (#3084035)

turns out they're all the same person

(and they're all 4 years older than each other)

Immersion in the Lazarus Pit will do that to you.

30. Who wants Teixeira dessert? Posted: February 23, 2009 at 09:32 PM (#3084057)

I guess Perez is looking for another credulous team to take those "16 year-old" cousins off his hands.

31. Yeaarrgghhhh Posted: February 23, 2009 at 09:36 PM (#3084061)

.609/.719/1.391 with 6 HRs in 32 PAs against

Holy cow.

32. Designated Sitter (GGC) Posted: February 23, 2009 at 09:52 PM (#3084077)

I thought that Esoteric liked the Mets and Mariners.

33. 33Boots Posted: February 23, 2009 at 10:19 PM (#3084103)

Why the hell couldn't his agent get him a big league deal for double that money in the first place? Odalis Perez had a nice season last year.

34. RB in NYC (Now with New Running Goal!) Posted: February 23, 2009 at 10:30 PM (#3084117)

Slightly above average pitchers who barely everage more than 5 innings a start aren't exactly commanding megadeals this off-season

35. A One-Shoed Craig K Posted: February 23, 2009 at 10:41 PM (#3084124)

I thought that Esoteric liked the Mets and Mariners.

Nationals and Mariners, the poor sap. :)

At least I'm Cardinals/Mariners, so I have something to cling to.

36. Designated Sitter (GGC) Posted: February 23, 2009 at 10:56 PM (#3084137)

Yeah, I figured that out after reading post #1. I thought that he was being hyperbolic when he said that he roots for the two worst teams. Maybe Lassus roots for the Mets and this led to my confusion.

37. Esoteric Posted: February 24, 2009 at 12:33 AM (#3084220)

Sadly, Mr. Geiger Counter, I was not being hyperbolic at all when I claimed I rooted for the two worst teams in baseball. Though thankfully it seems that the M's at least will not be quite so bad this season.

38. Chris Needham Posted: February 24, 2009 at 12:48 AM (#3084236)

80-82! Go crazy, folks! Go crazy!

39. Lassus: Posted: February 24, 2009 at 01:24 AM (#3084258)

Maybe Lassus roots for the Mets and this led to my confusion.

He's a wacky asian right-winger magician, I'm a leftist Flemish renaissance composer, yet we each like 80's indie punk rock. What sort of wacky hijinks will ensue? THIS WEEK ON FOX!

40. Designated Sitter (GGC) Posted: February 24, 2009 at 01:44 AM (#3084271)

Nice, Lassus. I forget why I mixed up the two of you, but I did.

41. Russlan will never be fond of Jason Bay Posted: February 24, 2009 at 02:03 AM (#3084281)

Lassus isn't a Met fan. He is the Met fan.

42. Esoteric Posted: February 24, 2009 at 02:08 AM (#3084286)

Russlan, have you been watching old Homicide DVDs lately? Because rest assured, Esoteric is a Frank Pembleton fan too. But also a Stanley Bolander fan. And a Meldrick Lewis fan. And even a Mikey Kellerman fan.

43. Vaux, A.B.D. Posted: February 24, 2009 at 02:12 AM (#3084289)

Whereas Lassus is a Milko Kelemen fan. Well, maybe he is.

44. Designated Sitter (GGC) Posted: February 24, 2009 at 02:24 AM (#3084299)

Great. Now the other pre-Bach composer shows up!! I'll never figure things out.

45. Lassus: Posted: February 24, 2009 at 02:33 AM (#3084308)

Awww thanks, Russlan.

Vaux wins for THAT reference. And Kelemen is serious like a heart attack.

46. Esoteric Posted: February 24, 2009 at 02:37 AM (#3084313)

I also think it's funny that GGC misremembered me as a Mets fan given the fact that, in my younger and stupider days, I did a bit of anti-Mets trolling in the occasional gamethread. I regret that, of course, but still it can fairly be said that given my hatred of Omar Minaya I am pretty much the anti-Mets fan.

Well, except for that Brian Schneider. He's a real gamer, that one.

47. RB in NYC (Now with New Running Goal!) Posted: February 24, 2009 at 02:41 AM (#3084317)

Meldrick Lewis, classic character.

48. Designated Sitter (GGC) Posted: February 24, 2009 at 02:46 AM (#3084322)

That's okay. I was just in another thread and arktiekton and akrasian posted back to back.

49. Esoteric Posted: February 24, 2009 at 02:52 AM (#3084328)

Meldrick Lewis, classic character.

Meldrick's hat is practically a character all its own.

And Meldrick was the primary focus of the greatest episode in Homicide's run, one of the finest hours of network television ever aired, IMHO: "Crosetti."

50. RJ in TO Posted: February 24, 2009 at 02:57 AM (#3084330)

That's okay. I was just in another thread and arktiekton and akrasian posted back to back.

You should see the chaos which ensues when Randy Jones and I are arguing with each other in a thread.

51. Lassus: Posted: February 24, 2009 at 02:58 AM (#3084331)

Well, except for that Brian Schneider. He's a real gamer, that one.

Low blow, Eso.

52. Iwakuma Chameleon (jonathan) Posted: February 24, 2009 at 02:58 AM (#3084332)

So we can consider signing, like, Dennys Reyes and Nomar Garciaparra and DID sign Russ Springer, but we can't throw a mil at someone like Odalis Perez as insurance for the highly, highly likely event that one of Dallas Braden/Sean Gallagher/Gio Gonzalez/Josh Outman/Dana Eveland suck complete balls?

53. Gonfalon Bubble Posted: February 24, 2009 at 03:02 AM (#3084335)

Also, all the bones in my left hand are broken. Think I might've severed a tendon or two in there as well. Hurts like you wouldn't believe.

Okay, fine, you can have a non-guaranteed Nationals contract, too.

54. Designated Sitter (GGC) Posted: February 24, 2009 at 03:16 AM (#3084341)

You should see the chaos which ensues when Randy Jones and I are arguing with each other in a thread.

I've been there, man. That blew my mind.

55. Gaelan Posted: February 24, 2009 at 03:26 AM (#3084348)

Russlan, have you been watching old Homicide DVDs lately? Because rest assured, Esoteric is a Frank Pembleton fan too. But also a Stanley Bolander fan. And a Meldrick Lewis fan. And even a Mikey Kellerman fan.

Homicide is far and away the greatest cop TV show of all time. That is all.

56. Esoteric Posted: February 24, 2009 at 04:30 AM (#3084385)

Depends on your definition of "cop TV show," Gaelan, because otherwise The Wire might have it beat. But then again The Wire is arguably far broader in its scope than that. (Also, I can't be the only one who thought the final season was a near-disaster compared to the pitch-perfection of the previous four, can I? I'm taking my GF through the series, and she's smitten by it, but I'm tempted to shut it down after we finish Season Four because Five is just so terribly off-key.)

Homicide was hampered by the need to play by the rules of network TV (language, pacing, act breaks, introducing more photogenic actors over time, etc.) but it still has the best CHARACTERS of any show I know. The original cast (Braugher/Secor/Kotto/Johnson/Beatty/Leo/Baldwin/Belzer) was literally flawless, a miracle of ensemble TV.

57. SoSHially Unacceptable Posted: February 24, 2009 at 04:46 AM (#3084389)

Also, all the bones in my left hand are broken. Think I might've severed a tendon or two in there as well. Hurts like you wouldn't believe.

At least you were smart enough not to use your posting hand.

And I'd amend Gaelan's post to remove "cop." *

* I'm open to the possibility The Wire was better, given who was involved, but I've never seen it.

58. Russlan will never be fond of Jason Bay Posted: February 24, 2009 at 05:14 AM (#3084404)

I've been searching for shows to watch since The Wire ended and HLOTS is the best thing I've found since, although the last few seasons aren't nearly as good as the first few seasons. It's a very different show than The Wire, as there is much more focus on the interpersonal relationships between partners, as well as the psychological aspect of being a "murder police". I love the Bayliss-Pembleton dynamic of HLOTS and Braugher is one hell of an actor. Seriously, how good is he in this scene?

Btw, does anyone have any suggestions about what to watch? I've tried these shows so far and my ratings of them so you guys can get a feel of what I like.

Two Seasons of Mad Men: 5.5/10.

One season of the Sopranos: 6.0/10. (I am going to watch another season but I thought the first season would be better. Will it get better?)

Two seasons of Lost: 4/10. (Way too many coincedences and unrealistic plot twists for me.)

I am willing to be patient with a show and will watch a season or two before deciding if I am going to continue to watch it. Any suggestions? I am thinking about trying The Shield next.

Finally, two random thoughts about HLOTS: 1) The Crosetti-Kellerman swap was a huge downgrade. 2) The movie was horrifwul (yes, horrible and awful.)

EDIT

* I'm open to the possibility The Wire was better, given who was involved, but I've never seen it.

There's only one reasonable explanation for not watching The Wire and it's the distinct possibility that it will make all other shows unbearable to watch because they pale in comparison.

I actually just re-watched the entire series and it was even better the second time.

59. Esoteric Posted: February 24, 2009 at 06:02 AM (#3084424)

Finally, two random thoughts about HLOTS: 1) The Crosetti-Kellerman swap was a huge downgrade. 2) The movie was horrifwul (yes, horrible and awful.)

The movie was indeed horriwful, because it had to incorporate the crappy later additions to the cast (of which only Gharty, played by Peter Gerety who would later go on to be the Judge on The Wire, was very interesting).

But Kellerman was a fantastic character, and even more interesting as a partner for Lewis than Crosetti. As good a character as Crosetti was -- and his Lincoln-conspiracy fixation always seemed like an uncharacteristically awkward, writerly affectation -- his impact was most felt in his absence. The way Kellerman did and did not fill that hole left in Lewis' professional life is one of the most fascinating running arcs during the fourth and fifth seasons.

The simple fact is that he is the only "added" character who felt like a fully integrated, wholly authentic member of the show on the same level as the original cast. Watching him disintegrate was so agonizing precisely because he was both sympathetic and clearly flawed, and because his downfall was so inexorable. Like watching gears turn the hour hand of a clock implacably towards midnight.

The only two dramas from the '90s that I think will last forever are the two that more or less pioneered the idea of multi-season story and character arcs: Homicide and The X-Files. Both got pretty dire near the end (The X-Files dipped severely during its 7th season, made a major comeback in the 8th, and then collapsed disastrously in the 9th, while Homicide deteriorated precipitously after the death of Luther Mahoney), but they gave us some of the best hours of drama and wonder ever broadcast on network TV.

60. Russlan will never be fond of Jason Bay Posted: February 24, 2009 at 06:20 AM (#3084428)

I have no issue with Kellerman's arc which was quite good. I just wish they cast a better actor than Reed Diamond.

61. Obama Bomaye Posted: February 24, 2009 at 06:45 AM (#3084431)

I HATED MIKE KELLERMAN HE HELPED RUIN THE SHOW

62. Obama Bomaye Posted: February 24, 2009 at 06:46 AM (#3084432)

and I was rooting for him to kill himself on the boat

63. Obama Bomaye Posted: February 24, 2009 at 07:00 AM (#3084433)

I am thinking about trying The Shield next.

I don't know if you will like it but The Shield is great, and IMO stays very strong over the course of its run. But I like Mad Men and Sopranos more than you. I also loved The Wire.

I can no longer remember the Sopranos season-by-season, but by its 2nd season critics were calling it the greatest thing in the history of things, and they seemed to do a lot of complaining about its "decline" over the next few years. So if you're not hooked yet, most likely it's not gonna do it for you.

64. Obama Bomaye Posted: February 24, 2009 at 07:04 AM (#3084434)

up the R's!

65. Tom Cervo, backup catcher Posted: February 24, 2009 at 07:09 AM (#3084436)

Btw, does anyone have any suggestions about what to watch? I've tried these shows so far and my ratings of them so you guys can get a feel of what I like.

Battlestar Galactica.

66. Esoteric Posted: February 24, 2009 at 07:23 AM (#3084441)

I have no issue with Kellerman's arc which was quite good. I just wish they cast a better actor than Reed Diamond.

I disagree with this. I think Diamond did a fine, fine job with Kellerman. I really don't see any flaws in his performance at all. He plays Kellerman as a brash, likable lunkhead with a moral compass that starts off solidly aligned and only begins to go out of whack as he deteriorates under the external pressure of Arson corruption investigation aftermath and the Mahoney shooting. When he annoys me, he does so in character: not because the portrayal is flawed, but because the character is written to be frustrating. Kellerman just does dumb things and makes a few key stupid decisions that undo him.

I also think that one of the finest aspects of the Mahoney shooting aftermath is Kellerman's resentment at being shunned by Lewis when, even though he shouldn't have taken the shot, he was only put in that situation in the first place due to Meldrick's inexcusable stupidity.

And Obama Bomaye: that episode with Kellerman on the boat ("Have A Conscience") is my second favorite Homicide episode ever, the perfect companion piece to "Crosetti."

67. Esoteric Posted: February 24, 2009 at 07:28 AM (#3084442)

Btw, does anyone have any suggestions about what to watch? I've tried these shows so far and my ratings of them so you guys can get a feel of what I like.

I would highly recommend The X-Files, just so long as you approach the first season in particular with an edit function. Half the episodes are great ones, but several are hilariously clunky artifacts of a time before the show found its footing.

And FWIW, the three greatest X-Files episodes are "Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose," "Jose Chung's 'From Outer Space'," and "Field Trip."

68. Exploring Leftist Conservatism since 2008 (ark..) Posted: February 24, 2009 at 09:07 AM (#3084448)

Btw, does anyone have any suggestions about what to watch?

Pick up the Firefly DVD if you haven't already. It's sci-fi, but hugely character driven. The only drawback is that the schmucks at Fox cancelled it after 14 episodes. A couple of years later they realized their mistake, sort of, and made an extremely good film based on the series, called Serenity. Enjoy.

69. Russlan will never be fond of Jason Bay Posted: February 24, 2009 at 10:53 PM (#3085238)

Thanks for the feedback, gentlemen.

70. Lassus: Posted: February 24, 2009 at 11:14 PM (#3085262)

I strongly recommend David Caruso's in-progress 10-year performance art piece on overacting.

That must be what it is.

Firefly and Battlestar Gallactica I would definitely put on the top of my list, Russlan.

71. Russlan will never be fond of Jason Bay Posted: February 24, 2009 at 11:17 PM (#3085267)

Lassus, did you ever get around to watching The Wire?

72. Lassus: Posted: February 24, 2009 at 11:25 PM (#3085277)

Ummmmmmmm......

No. Shooty sent me his extra season III, and I sort of need to start with season I, and just haven't gotten my ADD to hold steady on that project as of press time.

I did watch "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" with Alec Guinness recently, however, and strongly recommend it.

If you really want to delve into wacky british TV, The Prisoner is 1000 kinds of awesome.

73. Esoteric Posted: February 24, 2009 at 11:35 PM (#3085290)

Anybody want to send me Season 4 of The Wire for free?

Boy, I wish I'd jumped on Shooty's offer when it first rolled around.

74. Exploring Leftist Conservatism since 2008 (ark..) Posted: February 25, 2009 at 08:16 AM (#3085628)

I strongly recommend David Caruso's in-progress 10-year performance art piece on overacting.

You know, he wasn't bad at all the one+ season he was on NYPD Blue. Of course, that was more than 10 years ago.

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Nationals Release Holdout Perez

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