Tampa Bay Rays: Fernando Perez OF #38

As we continue on our 40 Rays in 40 days series, our next Ray is OF Fernando Perez.










Fernando Perez
OF #38
HT:6'1 WT:185

The Dish:Perez, a graduate of Columbia University, was drafted by the Rays in the 7th round of the 2004 draft. Perez struggled immediately at Hudson Valley of the NY Penn league, hitting only .232/.314/.322. The Rays still promoted Perez to Southwest Michigan in 2005. Perez numbers improved to .289/.361/.406. Perez showed off great speed stealing 57 bases in 74 attempts. In 2006 Perez made the move to advanced A Visalia, where again his numbers continued to improve. In the Cal. league Perez's line was .303/.395/.393. He still didn't show much power only hitting 4 home runs in 133 games. Perez enjoyed a terrific 2007 league for AA Montgomery. Perez showed a little more power hitting 8 home runs in 102 games while hitting .308/.423/.481. Perez also drew 76 walks and stole 32 bases for the Biscuits.

2007 Numbers:(AA Montgomery)102 Games, .308/.423/.481, 8 home runs, 33 RBI with 76 walks and 32 steals.

Role for 08:Perez should start the season at AAA Durham. If not he will be there soon. Depending on the injuries at the major league level there is an outside chance that Perez could be in the Majors at some point this season. Critics of Perez have sited his age as a possible concern. Perez will be 25 by the end of April which is pretty old for a AA player.

Very well spoken, funny hair do



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