After Oliver Perez allowed 6 runs in 3.2 IP against the Tigers yesterday, Mets pitching coach Dan Warthern — quick to cite Ollie’s WBC participation for Mexico (natch) hinted the New York starter might well be dubbed The Hefty Lefty. From the New York Post’s Mike Puma :
“He’s out of shape,” Warthen said after the Mets’ 10-6 Grapefruit League loss to the Tigers.
“He came into camp in good shape. I thought he was throwing the ball very well when he left camp. I was a little reticent when he left here [for the WBC], and my worries have come to fruition.”
Warthen said Perez is about the same weight as last season, but the lefty added a few pounds after leaving to pitch for Team Mexico earlier this month. The 6-foot-3 Perez is listed at 205 pounds.
“The better body shape you are, the easier it is to get your arm in shape, and I think he has gotten himself out of [shape], even though the weight is about the same as last year,” Warthen said. “He still is not the same guy, the energetic guy, even the life around the clubhouse is not the same.”
Assuming Warthern isn’t exaggerating about Perez’ condition, the club would do well to keep this press release out of the starter’s eyesight.