Luis Castillo (ap)
FORT MYERS, Fla. — You can start over, but completely shunning the past isn’t an option if your names are Oliver Perez and Luis Castillo.
Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said yesterday that performance alone won’t earn the less-than-dynamic duo jobs on the Opening Day roster. Mets fans revile both players because they are seen as a symbol of wasted money — $60 million, total — by former general manager Omar Minaya.
“The perception of those two players lingers, and I would be foolish if it weren’t a factor,” Alderson said yesterday after the Mets lost 4-3 to the Twins in an exhibition game. “It’s not going to be the only factor, necessarily, but we have to deal with reality, and sometimes those perceptions have to be taken into account.”
Alderson’s comments provide tangible evidence both players aren’t on equal footing in their attempt to win jobs this spring. Both are expected to be released, with Castillo perhaps down to his final few days in a Mets uniform as the team looks to officially name a second baseman.
As has been reported by The Post, Terry Collins’ support is behind Luis Hernandez in the second-base derby, and the manager expects to have the final word. But Collins also needs to get Hernandez on the roster before he can name him the starter.
“At some point, who’s on the team or not on the team is probably my decision, with strong input from Terry and the coaches and scouts who watch us on a daily basis,” Alderson said.
Brad Emaus, Daniel Murphy and Justin Turner are the other components of the second-base competition.
“I don’t think anyone has broken away from the pack,” Alderson said. “One would like to see some separation, but maybe we’ll see that in the next few days. To some extent this decision is going to be made not exclusively on what happens this spring, but also what we project based on a whole body of work over a period of time.”
Perez, who is owed $12 million this season, has retired three-of-four batters faced over two appearances since moving to the bullpen as a specialist. The putrid lefty is expected to pitch again tomorrow and Saturday, but faces competition in a crowded bullpen race. The Mets do not view two lefties as a necessity, and Tim Byrdak is almost certain to make the team as the primary lefty.
Castillo’s limited range at second base is a strike against him. But maybe not a bigger strike than the baggage he brings to the Mets clubhouse. The same goes for Perez.
“We were committed in the offseason to bring them in and give them an opportunity to earn a spot on the roster,” Alderson said. “In Perez’s case he’s no longer competing for a starting job, but left-handed relief is still a legitimate possibility for him, and we’ll see how it goes. Luis, some of the things he does [pitch selectivity] are some of the things we hope to do as a team.”