Braves Knew Perez Might Make It Big

By Jason Reid

May 10, 2002 12 AM PT

ATLANTA —

The Atlanta Braves were reluctant to include left-hander Odalis Perez in the Gary Sheffield trade, but Sheffield is one of the game’s top run-producers so they agreed to the Dodgers’ price.

The Braves are not second-guessing themselves despite Perez’s hot start, saying the deal is working out well for both clubs. Of course, Perez’s performance has been an unexpected bonus for the Dodgers.

“We knew he was going to be a good pitcher and a good starter,” Atlanta pitching coach Leo Mazzone said. “Odalis has a good fastball and a great changeup, which gives you a chance to be a good starter in the big leagues.

“But when you’ve got a chance to get somebody like Sheffield, you’ve got to give up somebody good. We gave up two good ones [Perez and left fielder Brian Jordan].”

Perez is 4-1 with a 1.66 earned-run average after shutting down the Braves in Wednesday’s 3-1 victory at Turner Field. He ranks among the National League leaders in most categories, and has limited opponents to a league-low .164 batting average.

What’s the key to Perez’s success?

“He was in a tough situation here, and the big thing for him now is that he’s starting on a regular basis,” Mazzone said. “For a lot of young pitchers, when you have the starting rotations that we’ve had in the past, and the standards that you have to live up to, it can be difficult.

“The fact that he’s starting on a regular basis now is going to make all the difference in the world in how much more consistent he becomes. I’m happy for Odalis. He’s a good kid.”

Closer Eric Gagne suffered his only blown save in 12 chances Tuesday when Sheffield hit a ninth-inning, two-out, solo homer to force extra innings in a game the Dodgers won, 6-5, in 16 innings.

Despite his success against Gagne, Sheffield believes the right-hander will be a dominant closer for many years.

“He’s got the perfect mentality,” Sheffield said. “He’s got that I-don’t-care attitude. He just throws it up there and says, ‘Here it is, hit it,’ and that’s how most [successful] closers are. They’re not afraid to throw their fastballs and get strike one, and it doesn’t surprise me that he’s doing what he’s doing.

“To me, he was a good pitcher [even] when he was struggling [as a starter].”

Shawn Green was not in the lineup because his left hand was still swollen after Tom Glavine hit him with a pitch in the sixth inning of Tuesday’s game. X-rays of Green’s hand were negative and he is expected to play today in the opener of a three-game series against Florida.

ON DECK

Opponent--Florida Marlins, three games.

Site--Pro Player Stadium.

Tonight--4 p.m. PDT.

TV--Fox Sports Net 2 every game.

Radio--KXTA (1150), KWKW (1330).

Records--Dodgers 20-14, Marlins 19-15.

Record vs. Marlins (2001)--5-2.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’

KAZUHISA ISHII

(6-0, 2.95 ERA)