Kuzul

It’s gone on for weeks now. What was a four-man competition that was supposed to be cut down by March 14 has now swelled to five men and is no closer to a conclusion.

Mets manager Terry Collins trots a different second baseman out every game, gives him two or three at-bats and then replaces him with another candidate for one or two at-bats.

On and on we go, and where it stops, nobody knows—not even Collins himself.

Brad Emaus, Daniel Murphy, Justin Turner and, of course, Luis Castillo, have all been under consideration for the Mets’ second-base job since the start of spring training, and you can add Luis Hernandez to that list as well.

Recent reports have Hernandez as the front runner to win the job, although his name has only just now floated to the surface of the toilet that has been second base. Depending on which newspaper or website you read, Hernandez may only have an outside chance.

Regardless, Collins had said this was all supposed to be resolved three days ago, but since no one has broken away from the pack, it remains an open competition.

Speaking of competition: Oliver Perez, who is no competition for anyone, continues to circle the drain, as does Castillo.

General manager Sandy Alderson was asked recently about the attention the media and, more specifically, the fans have given to Perez and Castillo.

“It’s a little odd,” Alderson said. “I think it does distract one from taking a look at this team as a whole and having a little more balanced view of this team as a whole…I think there has been a lot of focus on second base, maybe to the exclusion of some other things. I wouldn’t say there’s anything else you should be watching, [maybe] something else you might write about.”

You know what would be nice to write about, Mr. Alderson? A winner of the second base competition. Or maybe even a decision on Castillo and Perez, who continue to be given a chance to make this team despite every indication that they’ll be released.

Perez, who entered camp pleading with Collins for a chance to win a spot in the starting rotation, made two starts, going 1-1, and currently sports a 7.88 ERA and has issued six walks in just eight innings.

Perez now has his name on a very long list of guys competing for a spot in the bullpen. Collins has already tabbed lefty Tim Byrdak as a “lock” for the pen, and there’s no real reason for the Mets to carry two left-handed relievers.

On the other side of the coin, Castillo seems to be holding his own in the second base competition, despite numerous and frankly obvious reasons why he should be released. If he is finally, and mercifully, released, it could come as soon as the end of this week.

In 11 games, Castillo is batting .285 with two RBI and four runs scored.

Defensively, Castillo has committed one error in 45 innings at second base, but his range continues to be an issue. Although Collins has said he views second base as an offensive position (think Dan Uggla), that doesn’t boost Castillo’s candidacy.

So despite no need for Perez and far superior options to Castillo, both continue to compete for spots on this team. As long as this process continues to get dragged out, much to Alderson’s dismay, it will continue to be picked apart and criticized.  

The fans certainly aren’t staying silent, something Alderson finds surprising.

“It’s human nature,” he said. “There is interest in those two players in our fanbase. … They are among the most debated players.”

No, Sandy. They are the most debated players.

Because of what they represent, $60 million wasted under the Omar Minaya regime, their inclusion on the Opening Day roster will be met with public outcry, and rightfully so. What was going to be a difficult task of getting fans into Citi Field would be almost impossible.

Knowing the standpoint of the fanbase, Alderson said that public perception, though a factor, would not supersede performance.

“We have to deal with reality, and sometimes those perceptions have to be taken into account,” Alderson said.

Well, luckily, the reality is that the performances of Perez and Castillo don’t warrant their inclusion on the 25-man roster when the Mets break camp in a little more than two weeks. Since past performance is perhaps an even larger factor than spring training, it should make deciding what to do with them all the easier.

The time has come to make a decision—a decision that, according to Alderson, rests with him in the end. He’ll get input from Collins and the coaches and scouts, but he’ll make the final call.

New York is a big city—the biggest city, in fact. That’s a lot of voices, almost all of them calling for the same thing: the release of Perez and Castillo and an end to the constant questioning and debate.

Don’t like the constant talk, Mr. Alderson? Want it to end?

Then make a decision, one way or the other—though I think you know which way to go.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

On the heels of a recent story in the North Bergen Record by Steve Popper and Bob Klapisch, New York Mets fans are ready to pack it in already.

Let’s face it though: Most Mets fans have already packed it in, but there were a few still hanging on.

The article published yesterday cites unnamed members (as usual) of the Mets organization. It claimed that they’re ready to shut Johan Santana down completely because he has not been progressing as he continues to rehab his surgically repaired shoulder.

Popper and Klapisch completely embarrassed themselves on this one, in my opinion. To cite “unnamed sources” is nothing new in sports, but to not have follow-up statements from general manager Sandy Alderson, manager Terry Collins or pitching coach Dan Warthen should raise eyebrows among readers.

Yet people are already jumping all over this story, including ESPN’s Buster Olney, and making their way to their local churches to light candles and mourn the death of the Mets’ 2011 season.

Santana himself said he was “surprised” when news of the article reached him and said there have been no setbacks in his rehab.

For the sake of realism, let’s get a few things straight.

Santana is attempting to come back from major shoulder surgery. The idea that he’d come back and pitch is one thing, but thinking he can be a positive force for the Mets this season is something else entirely.

I expect Santana back some time around the late-June, early-July deadline the Mets have set. But do I expect the Mets to climb into first place upon his return and win the NL East? No.

That said, even if Santana did miss the entire 2011 season, how does that change anything?

It’s common sense for an organization anticipating the return of a player like Santana to not allow that anticipation to govern their decisions in March.

In other words, build the team as if Santana was never coming back. Put the best players on the team now, and worry about moving them to make room if, and when, Santana comes back.

That’s what the Mets have done this spring. Collins is expected to formally announce his starting rotation very soon, with Chris Young and Chris Capuano expected to join Mike Pelfrey, R.A. Dickey and Jon Niese.

If the Mets carry a long man, which they’re expected to, Collins has said he prefers Pat Misch.

The Mets have built their rotation to contend, not simply tread water until the life preserver that is Johan Santana returns.

Additionally, since when does the Mets’ season rest on Santana’s shoulders?

You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who thinks the Mets can contend this season, so there’s no way Santana is the difference between contender and the NL East basement.

Santana certainly carries potential and the possibility of winning a few extra games with him, but haven’t the Mets struggled to win as many games with Santana has they have in the three years he’s been here?

Most Mets fans will tell you that Santana has been a much better pitcher than the win/loss column would suggest. Still, the Mets still haven’t been able to get back to the postseason with Santana, so why does the idea of not having him set fans on edge?

Look, the Mets are a good team, they really are. If the Mets can stay healthy, get solid performances out of their starters and a bounce-back season or two, they should be able to contend for the wild card.

And make no mistake, I think having Santana would make that easier.

But not having him doesn’t send them straight to the basement from day one, and it certainly shouldn’t change anyone’s perspective of the Mets.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Three weaks into spring training and there are still tons of questions for the New York Mets. The rumblings around the seemingly impending release of Oliver Perez and Luis Castillo continue, despite no word from management one way or the other.

The reclamation projects of Chris Young and Chris Capuano continue to pitch well, and the Mets hope to have at least a serviceable starting rotation for this season.

As if the Mets don’t have enough problems already, while watching today’s split-squad games against the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros, another problem began to take shape:

The guys expected to be regulars aren’t hitting, and the bench players and guys with no chance to make the team are raking.

Does anyone else notice anything wrong with that?

Here’s some stats to throw out there:

Jose Reyes: .200 BA 1 SB

Angel Pagan: .222 BA 1 HR 2 RBI 1 SB

David Wright: 0-for-12 0 HR 2 RBI

Carlos Beltran: 1-for-3, run

Jason Bay: .467 BA 0 HR 1 RBI

Ike Davis: .214 BA 1 HR 3 RBI

Jose Thole: .235 BA, run

*all stats include today’s games.

That’s the Mets’ batting order, minus the winner of the second base competition, who would most likely bat ahead of Thole. As far as that competition goes, Daniel Murphy collected two doubles today against the Nationals, and is currently batting .400 with four RBI. Both Castillo and Brad Emaus are batting under .200.

The every day players just aren’t hitting right now. Yes, it’s just spring training and I know there isn’t any correlation between performance in the spring and the regular season, but this lack of offense from the starters is alarming—especially the lack of home runs.

Out of the starting lineup, the Mets have just two home runs—one from Pagan and the other from Davis. That’s nice to see, as the Mets need Pagan to repeat his 2010 success and Davis to avoid the sophomore slump in order to contend this season, but you’d like to see some power from guys like Wright and Bay.

To compound the frustration, the guys who’ll be riding the bench this season or in the minors to start 2011 are playing very well.

Out of the possible bench players, Scott Hairston is batting .411, Nick Evans is batting .346, and Chin-Lung Hu is hitting .285 with an RBI and two runs scored.

Evans is out of minor league options so the Mets would have to expose him to waivers if they don’t add him to the 25-man roster out of camp. Able to play multiple positions in both the outfield and infield, Evans would probably be claimed, and the Mets would lose a very talented hitter.

As for the guys who probably won’t break camp with the Mets, Lucas Duda, Fernando Martinez and Ruben Tejada are all playing well. Duda is batting .320 with a home run and two RBI. Martinez has one home run, four RBI, and a run scored to go along with his .368 batting average.

If Carlos Beltran lands on the DL at all this season, Martinez is probably the first call the Mets make to replace him.

Tejada—who could be in the mix for second base, but will spend 2011 with Triple-A Buffalo at shortstop—is batting .357 with three RBI.

Despite their impressive springs, Duda, Martinez and Tejada will all be in the minors when the regular season begins. It gives hope for the future as the Mets’ financial state gets worse and worse.

Most Mets fans know that the farm system isn’t as barren as most make it out to be, and now we’re seeing some of the fruit. If general manager Sandy Alderson sticks to his plan to go over slot to sign the better free agents—something the Mets haven’t done for many years—the farm system should improve in upcoming years.

But for now, the Mets actually have a fairly clear idea of what this roster is going to look like. The lineup is almost set, save for the second baseman, and the bench is fairly put together as well. We can get an idea of what kind of production we’ll see in 2011, but if it’s anything like what we’ve been seeing in the last few weeks, there’s reason to worry.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Pitching wins championships.

It’s not overly complicated: if you have a great starting rotation, you’re going to win some ball games. Just ask the San Francisco Giants, or a Philadelphia Phillies fan if you’ve got the time.

Every offseason teams try to bring in talented arms. Sometimes those arms are found through free agency, while other times it comes from a hot prospect or even taking a chance on an aging veteran.

For many teams, their seasons hinge on the performance of their starting rotation.

That said, let’s take a look at who will be the best starting pitchers in the AL on their respective teams in 2011.

Begin Slideshow

When speaking about the competition for second base, New York Mets Manager Terry Collins said he wants to reduce the number of candidates by March 14.

Right now, the Mets have four players—Luis Castillo, Brad Emaus, Daniel Murphy and Justin Turner—trying to win a job as the Mets’ starting second baseman.

The incumbent, Castillo, is entering the final year of his four-year, $25 million contract. Despite his $6 million salary for this season, Collins has not handed Castillo the job and has given every indication that Castillo is not the ideal player.

First, the Mets selected Emaus, an infield prospect with excellent plate discipline in the Toronto organization, in the Rule-5 draft this year.

They’ve also given Daniel Murphy, who has played parts of two seasons with the Mets at both first base and left field, plenty of time to learn his third position in as many years. The Mets love Murphy for his bat, and if he doesn’t win second base outright, it’s likely he’ll earn a spot on the bench.

Collins has also stated that he views offense as the key characteristic from second base, citing Chase Utley and Dan Uggla as examples. That would seem to leave Castillo, who has no power, out of the mix.

So if Collins wants to reduce the competition as soon as March 14, that could mean taking the list of possibles down from four to two, spelling the end for Castillo.

“It’s one of my biggest decisions every day, how to get those guys in there,” Collins told Mike Puma of the New York Post. “After the 14th, we have to have this narrowed down. We don’t have time to keep running a guy out there every three days or getting one at-bat because we split the games up.”

Here are Spring Training stats for the Mets’ second base candidates:

Luis Castillo: 10 AB .200 BA 1 RBI

Daniel Murphy: 11 AB .333 2 2B 3 RBI 1 R

Brad Emaus: 6 AB .286 BA

Justin Turner: 12 AB .154 BA

The Mets can’t juggle these four players for much longer, so a decision has to be made as soon as possible.

If the Mets want power from their second baseman, Emaus (15 HR between Double-A Las Vegas and Triple-A New Hampshire last season) and Murphy (.275 BA, 14 HR in 639 at-bats) are the best candidates.

Turner, the longest shot to win the second base job because he still has two minor league options available, hit .333 with 11 home runs in 78 games at Triple-A Buffalo last season.

Castillo has been given plenty of opportunities to show he can still be a solid player, but not even his salary and experience seem enough to save him from release, which is music to the ears of all Mets fans.

Along with Pitcher Oliver Perez, Castillo remains one of the symbols of the Omar Minaya regime, something Mets fans want to forget. Castillo’s release would be the first step in creating a new period for the New York Mets, one that is filled with increased financial uncertainty.

Paying Castillo his $6 million and showing him the door would go a long way toward instilling some confidence in Mets fans that the club does have some money to work with.

Hopefully Mets fans will be able to raise a pint on St. Patrick’s Day and drink to the release of Luis Castillo.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

“It’s only spring training.”

Say it over and over to yourself, Cubs fans.

“It’s only spring training.”

Yes, it’s only been four games—four games that don’t count for anything, to be exact—but it’s hard for a team to look any worse than the Chicago Cubs have so far.

In just four spring training games, the Cubs have committed 14 errors, including three in the first inning of a 12-5 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday.

Those three errors helped give the Brewers a 6-1 first-inning lead, as starter Carlos Silva gave up two home runs in the frame.

It also led to the much-publicized altercation between Silva and third baseman Aramis Ramirez, who committed one of the three errors.

Manager Mike Quade, who took over for Lou Piniella following his retirement last August, held a team meeting on Thursday. The meeting, Quade said, was related to the Cubs’ overall play so far, not just the altercation in the dugout.

“I do like the fact that some people were pissed off. I really do,” Quade said. “Now let’s see if we can take some of that in the right direction.”

Quade said there would be no fines or suspensions handed out to Silva or Ramirez.

Thursday’s fight was more of a culmination of the last four games for the Cubs than just another incident. The entire team has struggled in the field, raising eyebrows along with tempers.

“If we were going to have everybody fight that has made mistakes this spring, we’d have the cage match of all time,” Quade said.

You got that right.

While Quade is quick to point out that it’s only four games, that’s also the point: It’s only four games.

If the Cubs are already coming apart at the seams after just four spring training games, how are they going to look when the games actually count for something?

Silva is one of six guys trying to win a spot in the Cubs’ starting rotation this season. Quade has yet to name a fourth or fifth starter, but Silva believes he should have a job based on his first-half performance last season.

Over his first 16 starts, Silva was 9-2 with a 2.96 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. He missed most of August with an irregular heartbeat and was clobbered by the Houston Astros in his lone start after coming back on September 7.

Quade certainly has a reputation as a players’ manager, but he has to get a handle on his team ASAP.

Yes, it’s only spring training, and yes, it’s only four games, but if he establishes himself as someone who will tolerate this type of play, even if it the games don’t count, it will be impossible for him to change that perception during the regular season.

Quade has already said that Silva doesn’t owe anyone an apology. 

Really? He doesn’t need to apologize for fighting with a teammate, not even to that teammate at least?

Ramirez has addressed the media about the situation, saying, “It’s in the past, and you move on.” But Silva has remained silent, refusing all requests for a statement.

So Silva doesn’t have to apologize, explain what happened or do anything really to smooth the situation out or clarify what happened. He’ll just leave it up to the speculation of the media, and we all know that can lead to all sorts of ideas.  

Most will argue that spring training is meaningless and how a team plays in March has no bearing on their performance in April and beyond. Certainly that’s true; no one expects the Cubs to regularly make 14 errors in any four-game span.

But the Cubs aren’t known for being a patient, levelheaded team.

In fact, the altercation between Silva and Ramirez conjured memories of the dust-up between Carlos Zambrano and then-first baseman Derrek Lee on June 25 last season, which led to Zambrano’s suspension and entry into anger management classes.

After Quade took over for Piniella, the Cubs went 17-9, including an 11-1 mark on the road, so the players will respond to him.

But Quade can’t let this go on much longer. Four games is still four games, and this is a team that emptied its farm system for Matt Garza to contend in the pitching-deep NL Central, with a fanbase expecting Albert Pujols in Cubs white and blue in 2012.

While it may not seem like a big deal now, if the Cubs struggle during the regular season or another incident like this one occurs, everyone will point to these first four days as the genesis. Quade can do a lot to stop that before it happens by taking control of this team and reminding them that fighting and sloppy play aren’t going to be tolerated, whether it’s in March or September.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Earlier this week, the Mets officially announced that Carlos Beltran would make the full-time switch to right field for the 2011 season, paving the way for Angel Pagan to become the team’s full-time center fielder.

The move had been widely speculated, given Beltran’s surgically repaired knee and Pagan’s 2010 performance.

Beltran underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in January 2010, reportedly without consulting team doctors. He missed the entire first half of the season, and the last five games with discomfort in the same knee.

Beltran finished the season with a .255 batting average, seven home runs, 27 RBI and three stolen bases. He played 64 games in center.

By comparison, Pagan was a revelation for the Mets last season. Pagan, 29, led the team with a .290 BA and 37 stolen bases. His defense was remarkable, posting a 15.1 UZR with just five errors in 139 starts.

Beltran reported to camp at less than full strength, despite having the surgery more than a year ago, and surrendered the center field position after just one week of a running program he developed with Mets trainers.

Manager Terry Collins has said he plans to get Beltran into his first Spring game as a DH against the Boston Red Sox on Sunday, and will continue to have Beltran play DH for at least a week after that.

Then, maybe, Beltran will start playing the field.

Yes, Mets fans, it’s officially time to start worrying about Carlos Beltran.

Entering the 2011 season, the Mets have a list of “ifs” a mile long. Each “if” is another thing that has to go the Mets’ way in order for them to be competitive in a division that boasts the best starting rotation in all of baseball in Philadelphia.

As far as the offense is concerned, the biggest “if” is Carlos Beltran. “If’ Beltran can stay healthy and produce, the Mets might have one of the best offenses in the National League.

But with each passing day Beltran isn’t starting in games, playing in the field, or simply within view of a television camera, the “if” of Beltran gets bigger and bigger.

To his credit, Beltran came to Collins of his own accord to inform him that he wouldn’t be able to play center field this season, and that is to be commended. But, to look at it another way, it’s one thing for the Mets to move Beltran to right field after a few Spring training games.

But it’s another for Beltran to conclude he’s not capable of playing center field before he even tries to, without any input from Collins.

That raises serious concerns about where Beltran’s knee is right now. 

Beltran was one of the best center fielders for the better part of a decade, but he has a lot going against him this season.

He has to combat both age and injury to learn a new position in one of the more difficult outfields in all of baseball. The right field corner at Citi Field is an adventure to say the least. The wall sticks out to form a very tricky corner in right-center, while a chain-link fence with Mets fans standing behind it form the wall.

The right field corner is a short poke for a left-handed hitter as well.

Jeff Franceour, who played right field for the Mets last season, called Citi Field “a damn joke” earlier this offseason.

Now, a lot can change over the next month, and Beltran’s health may improve enough to instill some confidence in fans that he can play right field, but right now, Beltran does not look like a player who can make five to six starts per week.

In all honesty, we don’t even know if he can swing a bat well until we see him on Sunday.

The Mets will have Scott Hairston as a potential replacement for Beltran on the days he’s unable to play. Nick Evans and Willie Harris are also potential candidates and are currently competing for bench spots.

One of the Mets’ top prospects, Fernando Martinez, who is slated to begin 2011 at Triple-A Buffalo, is currently batting .500, with one home run and two RBI during Spring Training. If Beltran goes down with an injury during the season, Martinez may be the first in line to replace him on a full-time basis.

For now though, Beltran is listed as the Mets’ right fielder for 2011. He’s a big part of the Mets offense for this season and can certainly help form one of the best defensive outfields in baseball if he’s healthy.

But, like most things on the Mets right now, that’s a big “if.”

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

The New York Mets saw a lot of things to like from their pitchers in a 3-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals today.

Oliver Perez, looking to earn a spot in the starting rotation, tossed two scoreless innings, and closer Francisco Rodriguez, in his first spring action, added a scoreless inning of his own.

For as bad as Perez was in his first start this spring (2 IP, 4 ER, 3 BB), that’s how good he was today. Perez gave up just one hit without walking a batter, though he still didn’t show any improved velocity, topping off at around 84 mph.

Rodriguez, who has a $17.5 million option for the 2012 season if he finishes 55 games, gave up one hit in his lone inning of work with one strikeout.

The Mets have already been approached by the MLBPA to ensure they won’t refrain from using Rodriguez just to keep his option from vesting. The team has said it’ll do no such thing, but $17.5 million is a lot of money, and his salary will keep most teams from making a trade for the closer.

Rodriguez saved 25 games last season, finishing with a 2.20 ERA. He was placed on the disqualified list and had to forfeit $3.1 million following an altercation with his father-in-law after a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field.

Rodriguez underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his thumb as a result of the fight, and must also complete anger management training. He will be attending classes two to three times per week when the Mets are at home this season.

The Mets got scoreless innings from several other pitchers as well, including potential No. 5 starter Chris Capuano (1 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 0 K), Jason Isringhausen (1 IP, 0 H, 1 BB, 0 K), Boof Bonser (1 IP, 0 H) and Taylor Buchholz (1 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 0 K).

Mets top prospect Jenrry Mejia tossed two scoreless innings, giving up one hit while walking one. Mejia, who posted a 4.62 ERA in 33 games last season, including three starts, is slated to begin 2011 in Triple-A.

Manager Terry Collins has said he did not agree with the Mets’ decision to use Mejia as a reliever last season, and views the 22-year-old as a starting pitcher for the future.

Collins also said that they have identified as many as nine different pitchers competing for two open bullpen spots—naming Rodriguez, Buchholz, Tim Byrdak, D.J. Carrasco and Bobby Parnell as “locks” for the Mets relief corps.

Right-hander Chris Young, the front runner for the Mets’ No. 4 spot in the rotation, will make the start tomorrow against the Florida Marlins. Also scheduled to play are second base candidates Brad Emaus and Luis Castillo.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

The New York Mets defeated the St. Louis Cardinals today 3-0 behind RBI from David Wright, Ike Davis and Daniel Murphy.

Murphy, making his first start at second base this Spring, finished the game 1-for-3 and looked good in the field. He didn’t commit an error but didn’t get an opportunity to turn a double play. Murphy is one of four players competing to win the job at second base.

Jose Reyes looked like he has his legs under him again. He was caught stealing once, but reached on a fielding error in the first inning and scored on a sacrifice fly by David Wright.

So, we got some answers from today’s game.  Murphy looked pretty good in the field and at the plate, and Reyes seems to be healthy and able to run at full speed.

But who cares about that stuff? Because Oliver Perez, making his second start of the spring, actually pitched well.

Now, maybe this is a sign of things to come, or maybe Perez is just delaying the inevitable, but, for now, we have to come away from this game with the idea that maybe Perez is making progress.

Mets fans everywhere must be fuming.

In his first start of the spring, Perez looked terrible, which is typical Perez, of course. In two innings of work, Perez gave up four runs, all earned, on four hits, three walks (all consecutive) and three strikeouts.

Today, against the Cardinals, Perez pitched two innings of shutout ball, surrendering just two hits and no earned runs.

The velocity still isn’t there, but Perez has to be pleased with today’s results, unlike Mets fans. Only a Mets fan can loathe a great start from one of their potential starting pitchers, especially considering how weak their starting rotation appears right now.

Most importantly, Perez didn’t walk a batter, which is certainly a step in the right direction. He didn’t strike anyone out either, and the wind was definitely keeping the ball in the park today. But manager Terry Collins said he was pleased by Perez’s results today.

Collins says he wants Perez to change speeds and challenge hitters. It’s difficult to “challenge” hitters when you can only hit 86 mph once or twice.

Prior to today’s start, there were rumors that, depending on the results, this could be Perez’s last chance. If he didn’t pitch well today, Perez may have been released, something most people assume may happen anyway.

Collins was quick to squash those rumors, saying he certainly saw more starts for Perez after today, and since he was able to pitch well today, that seems to be the case.

Perez is entering the final season of his four-year, $36 million contract.

If Mets fans woke up tomorrow morning to news of Perez’s release, it would elicit as much joy as a trade for Albert Pujols, maybe even more.

But, for now, this dance will continue.

Perez has pushed the sun back into the sky one more time and was able to right the ship, for one day at least.

Whether or not he can do it again is a big question. And if can beat out superior pitchers to earn a spot in the starting rotation is an entirely different issue.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Spring Training got underway this weekend when the New York Mets opened their slate of games with two against the Atlanta Braves and one against the University of Michigan Wolverines. There was plenty to like about some of the performances, but there was a lot to hate as well. The Mets found some power from unexpected players and learned a little bit more about who will make up this team.

Here are some of the big headlines from this past weekend.

Second base competition still close early in camp

The Mets are looking at incumbent Luis Castillo, the constantly moving Daniel Murphy and the Rule-5 pick Brad Emaus right now. Manager Terry Collins has prospect Justin Turner, utility man Chin-Lung Hu and Ruben Tejada to consider as well. However, all are long shots for the starting job.

In Saturday’s opener against Atlanta, Castillo went 1-for-2, turning two double plays in the field. On Sunday, Castillo went 1-for-2 again and scored a run. Castillo has seen more time in the field than Emaus and Murphy, but considering Collins’ emphasis on offense from second base, he has a long road ahead to make this team.

Emaus had a hit, scored a run and walked twice in Sunday’s split-squad game against Michigan. If the Mets are looking for power, Emaus should be their first choice, having hit 15 home runs in the minor leagues last season and also showing great plate discipline.

Murphy, looking to try his third different position in as many seasons, went 1-for-3 on Sunday against Atlanta, including a two-run double that came with two outs. If Murphy is unable to win the second base job outright, he’s likely to find a bench spot out of Spring Training.

Jason Bay looks to bounce back from 2010’s concussion

Bay went 1-for-2 with two RBIs on Sunday against Michigan while playing left field. His single to left field in the third inning came with two outs and the bases loaded and scored Jose Reyes and Luis Castillo. Bay—who says he’s fully recovered from the concussion he suffered last July which cost him the rest of his season—is looking to bounce back from a disappointing season in which he hit just six home runs.

Strong debuts from Chris Young and Chris Capuano boost rotation candidacy

Capuano pitched three innings against the University of Michigan in the Mets’ split-squad game Sunday. He surrendered three hits, one earned run, while striking out four and walking none. His fastball sat right around 86 mph, the same as his average last season. Capuano is trying to become the Mets’ No. 5 starter, competing mainly against Dillon Gee. Being a left-handed pitcher may give him an advantage over Gee.

Young was equally impressive on Sunday against Atlanta, allowing no runs in two innings of work, striking out two. Young is also trying to make the starting rotation, and is all but assured a spot if he can show he’s healthy and strong enough for a full season, something he hasn’t been for two years.

Oliver Perez is still the same old Ollie, struggles in first appearance of Spring Training

Perez pitched two innings on Sunday against Atlanta, and he didn’t give manager Terry Collins any reason to keep him around much longer. Perez surrendered four runs, on four hits, in two innings of work. Control was once again a big problem for Perez, as he walked three batters. He also struck out three.

He issued three consecutive walks with two outs during the Braves’ three-run fourth inning. The odds of Perez earning a spot in the starting rotation are slim, but Collins hasn’t ruled that out yet. Perez may also find himself in the bullpen as a lefty reliever, but another showing like he had on Sunday and Perez may find himself without a team, despite his $12 million salary.

Bullpen options look solid in limited work so far

Mets bullpen candidates Pedro Beato and Taylor Buchholz were both impressive in their Spring debuts. Beato started Saturday against Atlanta and pitched two innings, allowing three hits and one earned run on a solo homer to Eric Hinske. Beato threw all eight of his pitches for strikes and induced six groundballs. Beato, the Mets’ Rule-5 pick this year, showed great command and a great sinker.

Taylor Buchholz, one of the many Mets reclamation projects added during the offseason, struck out three over two innings of work. He threw 15 pitches, 14 for strikes. If he can reclaim his 2008 form, Buchholz will be an excellent addition to the Mets bullpen.

Carlos Beltran will officially move to right field for the 2011 season

With the excellent performance of Angel Pagan last season and the questions surrounding Beltran’s surgically repaired knee, the Mets had raised the possibility of moving Beltran to right field. It was said that Beltran would be given a chance to prove he can still play center field full time, but it appears the Mets have made the decision for him. A recent announcement was made that he’ll be making the move to right field.

The move is probably the best thing for Beltran, who may be able to spare some wear and tear on his knee, making it easier to stay healthy. It’s been widely speculated that Beltran could be traded mid-season, as he’s entering his final contract year with the Mets. To do so, Beltran has to stay healthy and produce, and a move to right field should make that easier.

It’s still very early in Spring Training and there are still plenty of games to be played. The Mets have had a lot of questions answered, but things can always change. Oliver Perez currently looks horrible, while Chris Young and Chris Capuano appear locks in the starting rotation. Pitching coach Dan Warthen has said he’ll look to start eliminating rotation candidates around March 10, so we’ll get a better idea of who will fill the No. 3 and No. 5 spots in the upcoming weeks.

The Mets’ No. 1 starter, Mike Pelfrey, will make his spring debut today against the Washington Nationals, who will give Bryce Harper, last year’s No. 1 draft pick, his first at bats in the pros.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com