Speaking Thursday night during an appearance on ESPN, where he works as an analyst, Eduardo Perez spoke about the Carlos Beltran situation and said he had not yet heard from the Mets as they embark on their second manager search of the offseason.
"I have not heard from the New York Mets," Perez said. "I think they're gonna do their due diligence and move forward from this. And I can tell you this: from the interview process that I did go through in October through November, they did their due diligence. This just popped up and it looks like it did not work their way. But at least with me, they did do their due diligence."
The 50-year-old Perez, who was one of three finalists for the Mets manager job before it went to Beltran and could be a candidate again this time around, agreed with Beltran and the Mets parting ways.
"What I believe is because his name was on the commissioner's statement that he had to step down and he knew it was the right thing," Perez said. "So the Mets can move forward. It's unfortunate for Carlos Beltran because this was a dream of his -- to be able to manage."
Perez also weighed in on the overall impact and breadth of the sign-stealing scandal, which has now claimed three managers and one GM.
"This is very unique. This is something not any of us have seen. ... I believe it's more widespread. But at the same time, this could be the examples that are being made of that let everyone know. If you're doing something, if you're planning on doing something, shut it down and shut it down quickly."
When it comes to his credentials should he be involved in the second manager search, Perez has managed in Puerto Rico (where he was named Manager of the Year in 2008), and managed for Colombia in the 2013 World Baseball Classic. He also has big league coaching experience, having served as the hitting coach for the Marlins (2011-12) and bench coach for the Astros (2013).
