Mets Interested In Chris Perez & Mitchell Boggs

According to reports from Adam Rubin and Joel Sherman, the Mets are interested in free agent relievers Chris Perez and Mitchell Boggs.
Sep 9, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Chris Perez (54) delivers in the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Perez, 28, had a poor 2013 for Cleveland. His ERA wasn’t terrible (4.33), but his 5.08 FIP indicated that his performance was worse than indicated.
Perez was hit hard last season, and was victimized badly in the home run department, giving up 1.83 home runs per 9 innings. For comparisons sake, Perez gave up 0.57, 0.75, and 0.94 home runs per 9 innings in 2010, 2011, and 2012 respectively.
It’s possible that Perez’ struggles in 2013 were in part due to a lack of velocity. His fastball, that used to sit a tick above 94 MPH, averaged 92.7 MPH in 2013.
Perez made a shade over $7 million last year. Unless he’s open to taking a large pay cut, the Mets’ interest should end before any offer is made.
Boggs, who turns 30 in February, spent the entirety of the 2013 season in the minor leagues (first with Colorado, then with St. Louis).
Boggs was a solid setup man for the Cardinals between 2010 and 2012, but fell off the map last season.
In 2011, there was a 10 MPH difference between Boggs’ fastball and his slider (95.2 to 84.8). Last year, the MPH difference between the two pitches was just 5 MPH (94.2 to 89.3).
Sherman said that the Mets view Boggs as a solid “buy-low” candidate.
Thoughts:
Perez was a bit of a mess last season, both on the field and off. If the Mets’ plan is to acquire him as insurance for Parnell, I’d prefer for them to not go that route. If he’s coming aboard as just another reliever, that’s fine.
As far as Boggs is concerned, if he can be had on a minor league deal, the Mets should snatch him up. He still has a live arm, and has a solid track record.
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