Odalis

Perez

Nixon is putting together a nice year, but he still can’t hit lefthanders, and there are currently six of those in the other four NL West rotations. On the surface this looks like a disastrous trade for the Dodgers, and we’re glad they didn’t make it out of being angry at Perez, 26, for the comments he made last week. His near no-hitter Saturday, or Kevin Brown’s status, may have saved Perez’s spot with the team. There are ways to improve that offense without crippling the starting rotation.

Perez played catch Saturday and is scheduled for a bullpen session Sunday. “The doctor checked the whole thing and there’s no pain at all, I just wasn’t feeling comfortable. I don’t want to push and rush it, and then miss the rest of the season. I don’t want to do that.” If Perez cannot start Wednesday, Manager Jim Tracy said he would shuffle the rotation to have Jose Lima start on normal rest.

Well, to get his wish, Elmer Dessens is going to have to beat the Giants today. It’s possible that even if the Dodgers lose today they could still hold Perez back and let Kaz Ishii face Jason Schmidt tomorrow. If the Giants sweep them to force a tie, Perez could be forced to pitch in a one-game playoff.

Before the city’s decision to require partial private financing of a stadium, the Nationals were planning to ask MLB for additional budget room in order to sign Perez. Now GM Jim Bowden seems unlikely to add payroll.

The Mets may prefer adding another lefty as Al Leiter’s replacement, making Perez and Eric Milton possibilities.

Seattle remains likely to add a starter and trade either Ryan Franklin or Gil Meche. Perez has also been contacted by the Red Sox and Marlins among others and has been offered a contract by the Nationals and probably the Dodgers.

Once again, it seems as though the Dodgers are sitting this one out. If the Mariners sign Perez, it’s expected that Ryan Franklin will be sent to the pen or traded.

Perez is limited by a sprained ankle. The Dodgers have already move up Kazuhisa Ishii to start in Perez’s place on Wednesday. Either Perez or Darren Dreifort will start on Thursday. Dreifort had been scheduled to have his turn skipped because of Monday’s off day.

Perez has a sprained ankle. The team isn’t optimistic about him making that start, which will probably go to Darren Dreifort.

Considering how little demand there’s been so far, Perez might be one of the better signings of the offseason. The Dodgers do have some interest in bringing him back, but it’s unclear whether they’ve made an offer. Washington GM Jim Bowden could use an astute acquisition or two to undo some of the early damage he’s done.