Vinnie Pestano

Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com reports that there is “nothing there” regarding the Mets’ possible pursuit of Vinnie Pestano.

Rubin reported earlier Tuesday that the Mets were interested in trading for the Indians reliever, but evidently there isn’t a potential for a deal after all. It’s doubtful Cleveland is interested in dealing Pestano, who posted a 2.57 ERA and 76/24 K/BB ratio over 70 innings this past season and isn’t even arbitration-eligible yet.

ESPN New York’s Adam Rubin reports that the Mets are interested in trading for Indians’ reliever Vinnie Pestano.

The asking price figures to be pretty high, as Pestano isn’t even arbitration-eligible yet. Quickly emerging as one of the better set-up men in the game, 27-year-old right-hander posted a 2.57 ERA and 76/24 K/BB ratio over 70 innings this past season. The Mets have also asked the Rays about the availability of Joel Peralta, but the price is similarly steep.

Vinnie Pestano has registered a 1.79 ERA and 0.99 WHIP through 55 1/3 innings this season.

Pestano also has 61 strikeouts. One of the game’s top setup men, he should remain a top fantasy option in holds leagues even as the Indians limp through the end of 2012.

Vinnie Pestano gave up two runs on a hit and a walk in two-thirds of an inning Monday against the Twins.

There are few more dominant relievers in the game than Pestano. So despite issuing three walks in his previous appearance on Thursday, we’ll chalk this up simply to an off night. The right-hander owns a 3.07 ERA and 1.16 WHIP through 14 2/3 innings.

Vinnie Pestano has fanned seven batters and walked none through 4 2/3 innings this season.

Pestano registered a sparkling 84/24 K/BB ratio in 62 frames last year, and clearly didn’t lose any of his dominance over the winter. The 27-year-old righty is second in line for saves in Cleveland behind Chris Perez.

Chris Perez-handcuff Vinnie Pestano struck out the side in his one inning of work in Monday’s 3-2 win over the Diamondbacks.

He also mixed in a walk and a hit, but you get the idea. In line to be the Indians’ stopper if Perez (oblique) isn’t ready for Opening Day, Pestano has started off his spring with four scoreless frames, fanning five in the process.

Indians manager Manny Acta said Sunday that Vinnie Pestano will be his closer if Chris Perez isn’t ready for the ninth inning at the start of the regular season.

Perez’s (oblique) goal is to return by March 15 and be healthy for Opening Day. He was given a 4-6 week timetable, however, so it’s reasonable to pessimistic about his optimism. We think Perez will likely start the season on the shelf, meaning Pestano will see save opportunities and hold mixed league value until the incumbent returns. Pestano, 27, posted a 2.32 ERA and 84/24 K/BB rate over 62 innings during his rookie campaign in 2011. Keep an eye on Perez’s progress over the next month before deciding to spend a late-round pick on his replacement.