Fernando Perez

2013

There was no outlook written for Fernando Perez.

2011

Perez spent last season at Triple-A Durham, a year removed from shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum. He flashed some speed there (24 steals), but hit only .233 in 385 at-bats. Despite these numbers, Rays manager Joe Maddon was always a fan of Perez, so there's reason to believe he could emerge if given a chance. That could happen in Chicago after coming over in the Matt Garza deal. He could win a bench role, possibly as the fourth or fifth outfielder. Keep an eye on his numbers in spring training as the Cubs may decide to give him a couple of starts each week if he impresses.

2010

Perez missed most of the season after dislocating his wrist while attempting a diving catch. He also had shoulder issues resulting in offseason surgery to repair his labrum. A former Ivy Leaguer, manager Joe Maddon has praised him for his work ethic as well as his baseball intelligence. In deeper leagues, he will have some value for his speed and eligibility at multiple positions. He'll likely earn a spot on the bench and fill the super utility role for the Rays.

2009

Perez' speed and defense helped the Rays in September, and his legs stole Game 2 of the ALCS against Boston. After a slow start, Perez hit .277 with an OPS of .859 over the Rays' last 18 games. The Rays acquired Matt Joyce in December as their probable starter in right field, but if Perez gets a chance to win a platoon share of that job against lefties, his steals would make him extremely valuable in many formats.

2008

Perez is fast and can handle a bat well. He missed more than a month of action early in the year (knee), so given his league, he has more power potential than those eight homers suggest. Don't go crazy about those steals; 64 percent success rates usually don't improve as you move up the chain. He could project to be a useful fourth outfielder at the major league level, but the Rays have a very deep organizational depth chart at that position. Perez's best shot at major league playing time in the near future probably involves a trade, as the Rays have needs at other spots and could include Perez on their list of available surplus.

2006

Perhaps the best baseball player in Columbia history since Lou Gehrig. But, um, there is a sizable gap between numbers one and two on that list. Nice plate discipline, and we really love those stolen bases, but Perez does need to start showing some power at high Single-A this year.