This is without a doubt one of the most unique and hilarious fan stories I’ve ever come across. No offense to Oliver Perez, but apparently New York Mets fans have the ability to get pretty creative when they’re tired of the way things are going — which seems to happen more often than not. Hardball Talk has brought to our attention that a few Mets fans are raising money to buy out Oliver Perez’s contract.
Absolutely brilliant. The Mets are in the market for a new general manager and when they find one, I think he’d be wise to make cashing in on this proposal one of his top priorities. The fans in charge of the fund plan to accept donations until February 13, which is when pitchers and catchers report to off-season workouts. The goal is the $12 million that is left on Perez’s 3 year, $36 million deal.
Perez has angered Mets fans by pitching horribly since signing a fat contract in 2009 and even refusing a Triple-A assignment when he was struggling. The organizers of the fund have even vowed to donate the money to charity if they fall short of their goal. However, if they come even close to reaching the goal, I’d like to think the Mets’ front office would realize how passionate their fan base is about hating the guy and bite the bullet. All in all, I think it’s a genius concept.
