Reds to sign Cuban OF Felix Perez

[OnBaseMachine]

From Jorge Arangure's twitter:

Appears Cuban OF Felix Perez,who had signed w/Yankees for 3.5m before age issues got him suspended for a year,will sign w/ #reds

http://twitter.com/jorgearangure

[OnBaseMachine]

OF Félix Pérez (Isla)

Pérez continues to impress in workouts. His work ethic is second to none. Scouts like the sweet swing Pérez has shown and the increase in power since his return to the Dominican Republic. The Yankees, Pirates, Giants, Royals, Reds, Marlins, and Red Sox have evaluated Pérez.

http://www.cubanballplayers.com/?p=1655

[GIDP]

Hmm interesting.

[GIDP]

Was suspended for lying about his age.

Apparently a plus defender in center. Should be an interesting pick up.

[Benihana]

So how old is he?

[OnBaseMachine]

More from Jorge Arangure:

either 24 or 25. Perez could move fast through the #reds system. Is plus defender in CF

bonus I hear for Perez is 550k

http://twitter.com/jorgearangure

[TC81190]

I know this is an absolute longshot, but I wonder if we could see him with the team this year given his advanced age.

[GIDP]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5UJL3HfPrs

Same guy I think.

[thatcoolguy_22]

Perez was still considered raw in 2008 (when he was still a teenager, allegedly). I don't know what kind of timetable they will have him on. In an article I read from the time, he has 5 tool talent. Regardless I like the continued investment internationally.

[Degenerate39]

I'd like to see the Reds pick him up regardless of his age. Might make it easier for him and Chapman playing with each other.

[GIDP]

Supposedly will start in AA.

Basically im just repeating the guys twitter messages.

[FlyerFanatic]

no deal in place yet according to jocketty, per a mark sheldon tweet.

[Edd Roush]

Is he not subject to the International Signing Period? Could we see Perez in a Reds' affiliate uniform in the next couple months?

[NorrisHopper30]

Power? Speed? What do we know about him?

[reds44]

Anyway this guy comes up this year?

Sounds a little Alexei Ramirezish.

[LoganBuck]

24 or 25? Color me skeptical. When did he defect?

[NorrisHopper30]

Also, I'd imagine he won't be signing anywhere near 3.5m..anyone have a ballpark figure?

[reds44]

Jocketty: We don't have a deal.

http://marksheldon.mlblogs.com/archives/2010/05/reds_after_felix_perez.html



"We don't have a deal," Jocketty told MLB.com. "We're one of several clubs still talking to him. We're hoping to get it resolved in the next two or three days. He is a kid we've been pursuing for quite a while."

[reds44]

This is from baseball america, in Auguest of 2008.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=1615



Perez is a raw teen talent who has spent parts of two seasons in Cuba’s Serie Nacional, batting a light .271. Torres, who represented such big leaguers as Yoslan Herrera, Jose Contreras, Yuniesky Betancourt and most recently Alexei Ramirez, admitted Perez was raw but said he had five-tool talent.

[LoganBuck]

Essentially a super raw Drew Stubbs??

[Edd Roush]

Also, I'd imagine he won't be signing anywhere near 3.5m..anyone have a ballpark figure?

I think I saw $550k somewhere on Redszone.

Yea, look at OBM's post at 9:56 on the first page of this thread.

[GIDP]

Essentially a super raw Drew Stubbs??
Or Yunel Escobar.

[reds44]

Or Yunel Escobar.
Or Alexei Ramirez lol

[GIDP]

Or Alexei Ramirez lol

Also a strong comp probably on the other side of table.

Although a raw Alexei Ramirez would be a scary sight.

[reds44]

Also a strong comp probably on the other side of table.

Although a raw Alexei Ramirez would be a scary sight.
Well, I didn't mean he was a "raw Alexei Ramirez" just that he was similar to Alexei when he came over.

Ramirez was 26 when he signed with the Sox, and skipped the minor leagues. Seems like the best comparison to me.

[GIDP]

Well, I didn't mean he was a "raw Alexei Ramirez" just that he was similar to Alexei when he came over.

Ramirez was 26 when he signed with the Sox, and skipped the minor leagues. Seems like the best comparison to me.
Yea I was thinking more along the lines of a raw Yunel. Who knows its all speculation anyways so does it matter if we are correct? lol nope. Hopefully hes more like Yunel than Alexei though.

[OnBaseMachine]

I know this is an absolute longshot, but I wonder if we could see him with the team this year given his advanced age.

From Jorge Arangure's twitter:

because of his age and defensive ability would not shock me to see him in the majors this year

http://twitter.com/jorgearangure

[KoryMac5]

Might be a guy the Reds would like to pair with Chapman in AAA. Both are from Cuba, and could help each other with homesickness that has a tendency to hit players from far away lands. Just speculation on my part.

[OnBaseMachine]

Some more stuff on Perez from Cubanballplayers.com.

Félix Pérez is looking for a second chance

Ex Isla player Félix Pérez earned great reviews when he hit the longest ball anyone has seen a player hit a ball at the Yankees complex. Pérez blasted the first pitch he saw sending the ball over the building in right field.

The next day, he led off with a home run at the Cubs complex

http://www.cubanballplayers.com/?s=Felix+Perez

[bucksfan2]

This seems like an odd case to me. At 24-25 that is awfully old for a prospect, especially one considered raw.

[TheNext44]

He bats lefthanded, so he could be a possible replacement for Nix.

[Benihana]

This seems like an odd case to me. At 24-25 that is awfully old for a prospect, especially one considered raw.

Drew Stubbs the last two years? :p:

[bucksfan2]

Drew Stubbs the last two years? :p:

Not necessarily. I get the comps because of the raw nature but also at 24 Stubbs was in his 3rd season under the Reds control. This kid will be entering his 1st. Stubbs would have had 3 years to make changes that the Reds deemed fit, ability to adjust to the professional game, and time to mature in the minors. This kid will be thrown right into the frying pan with a really short window to make an impact.

[reds44]

Keep in mind he's signining for less than a million dollars, so we wouldn't be investing much. Low risk, high reward.

[OnBaseMachine]

Keep in mind he's signining for less than a million dollars, so we wouldn't be investing much. Low risk, high reward.

Yep. For $550K, even if he becomes a 5th outfielder he would be well worth it.

[Reds]

Plus defender in CF projected to start in AA. This seems like it's going to happen.

[GIDP]

Yep. For $550K, even if he becomes a 5th outfielder he would be well worth it.

Yea if thats all its costing the Reds they should just go out and buy the whole cuban leagues for a few million :)

[11larkin11]

Yea if thats all its costing the Reds they should just go out and buy the whole cuban leagues for a few million :)

I'd rather just take it all, and take Yulieski Gourriel and Yu Darvish :)

[GIDP]

I'd rather just take it all, and take Yulieski Gourriel and Yu Darvish :)

Yu Darvish, does he even want to pitch in the states?

[Vottomatic]

Looks like the Reds are going Cuban.

[Will M]

This seems like an odd case to me. At 24-25 that is awfully old for a prospect, especially one considered raw.

remember, he couldn't exactly sign earlier as he was in Cuba.

i agree that this is a good deal for the team. i love all the low risk (small amount of cash) with upside signings Walt has done recently. as others have pointed out if the guy spends any time in the bigs this is a good deal.

[11larkin11]

Yu Darvish, does he even want to pitch in the states?

Its questionable. He says publicly he doesn't, but his parents met here and love it here, and he's only makin ~3.3 million US a year over there. I'm sure Nippon Ham would love to have the posting bonus too.

[nemesis]

I like the Reds taking a risk on some of these Cuban players. We already landed the top pitching prospect to come from there since Livan Hernandez and getting a second player who was given a second chance could lure agents and players to gravitate toward the Reds first. I'd be all in.

Walt and Bob have done one thing beyond well in their short time here and thats expand the pool in which the team searches for talent. No matter the results I say kudos to them for trying to find new and creative ways to find cheap, high-end talent that may payoff in big ways over the next decade.

[Degenerate39]

Looks like the Reds are going Cuban.

Cuban Cigar night at the ballpark

[OnBaseMachine]

From C. Trent's twitter:

Club official says #Reds are "close" to signing Cuban OF Felix Perez, but not celebrating until it's actually done.

http://twitter.com/ctrent

[Degenerate39]

If the Reds do sign him is there a chance he'll be on the big league roster next year instead of Nix?

[FlyerFanatic]

just went official reds signed him

[OnBaseMachine]

Reds have officially signed Felix Perez.

From Mark Sheldon:


Cuban OF signed by Reds

The Reds announced the signing of Cuban outfielder Felix Perez on Monday.

Perez is 25 and bats and throws left-handed. See the post from last night for his background

There is a conference call coming in a few minutes and I have something soon.


http://marksheldon.mlblogs.com/archives/2010/05/cuban_of_signed_by_reds.html

[GIDP]

Yep and apparently hes 25 years old.

Worth taking a chance on.

[OnBaseMachine]

Perez is 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, bats left, throws left.

[OnBaseMachine]

More from C. Trent:

Perez got $550K from #Reds. He is 25, been in D.R. 2 years. Just eligible from MLB to sign last week or so. Will be in at least AA this year

http://twitter.com/ctrent

[aubashbrother]

Perez is 25. #Reds got him for $550,000. A 5-tool player. BBavasi: "He's a baseball rat. He loves to play." Will start in A, move to AA.

From Fay twitter

[NorrisHopper30]

Think we'll see him playing tomorrow in A?

[JayBruceFan]

That may be too soon. If he doesn't start with a team within the next few days, I wouldn't expect to see him with a minor league team until Early-Mid June.

[reds44]

If he's a five tool player and a baseball rat, that sounds like a good thing to me. I understand he's older, but better late than never.

[RedsManRick]

He better move quick. If he's not MLB caliber by age 26 or so, he's not MLB caliber.

[reds44]

He better move quick. If he's not MLB caliber by age 26 or so, he's not MLB caliber.
Using that in this situation isn't very smart, IMO. If he had spent 4 years at a college, and then 4 years in the minors, sure. However using that rule of thumb here doens't really work.

[OnBaseMachine]

From John Fay's blog:


Perez will be go to Arizona as soon as he gets his visa. The Reds will evaluate him there.

“He may end up at Dayton or Lynchburg,” Bavasi said. “But because of his age, he needs to get to Double-A quickly.”


http://cincinnati.com/blogs/reds/2010/05/17/details-on-perez-signing/

[FlyerFanatic]

think hes starting in A

[RedsManRick]

Using that in this situation isn't very smart, IMO. If he had spent 4 years at a college, and then 4 years in the minors, sure. However using that rule of thumb here doens't really work.

It's not that he will have proven that he just isn't good enough. It's that the physical abilities which allow people to be good ballplayers start to decline earlier than many people think. The late 20's is the nexus of physical ability and skill/approach development. That's no different for a guy who's been playing elsewhere.

If he can't get his skills to MLB caliber soon, his physical decline beginning in his late 20's will begin to offset any further gains he makes. I'm not saying he needs to reach his potential by 26 or 27. But he needs to be at a level where he can compete. If not, there will just be too much more ground to make up and not enough time to do it before he starts losing the athleticism.

[lollipopcurve]

With his defense and speed, he's probably a good bet to be at least a 5th OF in the majors -- and as a Cuban, we know how else he can help.

[Mario-Rijo]

It's not that he will have proven that he just isn't good enough. It's that the physical abilities which allow people to be good ballplayers start to decline earlier than many people think. The late 20's is the nexus of physical ability and skill/approach development. That's no different for a guy who's been playing elsewhere.

If he can't get his skills to MLB caliber soon, his physical decline beginning in his late 20's will begin to offset any further gains he makes. I'm not saying he needs to reach his potential by 26 or 27. But he needs to be at a level where he can compete. If not, there will just be too much more ground to make up and not enough time to do it before he starts losing the athleticism.

.....to be a full time starting stud I'm assuming you mean?

[guttle11]

It's not that he will have proven that he just isn't good enough. It's that the physical abilities which allow people to be good ballplayers start to decline earlier than many people think. The late 20's is the nexus of physical ability and skill/approach development. That's no different for a guy who's been playing elsewhere.

If he can't get his skills to MLB caliber soon, his physical decline beginning in his late 20's will begin to offset any further gains he makes. I'm not saying he needs to reach his potential by 26 or 27. But he needs to be at a level where he can compete. If not, there will just be too much more ground to make up and not enough time to do it before he starts losing the athleticism.

Which is why he only got $550K, instead of the $3.4mil he would have got when everyone thought he was 20.

It's a good signing.

[OnBaseMachine]

Article from the Reds website:


Perez, 25, received a signing bonus worth around $550,000. The Reds were impressed by his work ethic and baseball instincts. He bats and throws left-handed and can play all three outfield spots, but he hasn't been compared to a current Major Leaguer.

"We're not thinking he's going to be a Hall of Famer, but we think he's an addition to the organization, a left-handed hitter that hopefully down the road will be of value to the organization," said Tony Arias, the Reds' director of Latin American scouting.

Once Perez receives his visa, he'll report to the club's player complex in Goodyear, Ariz., to get comfortable with U.S. baseball. The organization believes he's ready for Double-A because he's older, but will likely start him at the Class A level in either Dayton or Lynchburg.


full article:
http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100517&content_id=10114448&vkey=news_cin&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin

[fearofpopvol1]

The Reds have made a lot of bad moves over the years...but one thing I commend them on is how active they have been with Latin players over the last few years. It's very impressive.

[redsfandan]

When I heard that none of his 5 tools stand out I thought of Heisey.

[mth123]

I think this guy is more of a cheap backfill for Dickerson. Likely makes his debut in 2011, he'll be under control and cheap through his prime while Dickerson becomes arb eligible and a non-tender candidate. Seems like a smart and cheap way to build a bench. Even if he ends up being no more than Dickerson II, its a good investment. If he's a bust, its not much more than a second rounder. The Reds waste more on guys like Cairo every year and if he becomes more than that its a good move.

[edabbs44]

"We're not thinking he's going to be a Hall of Famer, but we think he's an addition to the organization, a left-handed hitter that hopefully down the road will be of value to the organization," said Tony Arias, the Reds' director of Latin American scouting.

Kind of an odd thing to say.

[GIDP]

Kind of an odd thing to say.

I'm guessing when a guy is 25 you dont have to peach it up that much, since trading him probably isnt in the plan ever.

[OnBaseMachine]

Felix Perez has been playing with the DSL Reds this week and is 10-for-21 with a double and 3 BB/2 K for a statline of .476/.542/.524 - 1.066 OPS.

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=OF&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=591977

[malcontent]

Felix Perez has been playing with the DSL Reds this week and is 10-for-21 with a double and 3 BB/2 K for a statline of .476/.542/.524 - 1.066 OPS.

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=OF&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=591977
Very nice. Love those LH bats.

:)

[LoganBuck]

I am going to be a Debbie Downer here, Perez is in his mid twenties playing against teenagers. He better have stats that look like Godzilla.

[dougdirt]

I am going to be a Debbie Downer here, Perez is in his mid twenties playing against teenagers. He better have stats that look like Godzilla.

At the same time, he is facing pitchers who at times couldn't hit the broad side of a barn. He should be in the US soon.

[powersackers]

He's now raking at AA and slugging .932 at all 3 stops (DSL, A and AA). After Stubbs at bats tonight I say bring him up. Dickerson probably gets the call. Stubbs needs to go back and learn how to be a pro. hitter and use his skills. Striking out with his speed is unacceptable.

[reds44]

He's now raking at AA and slugging .932 at all 3 stops (DSL, A and AA). After Stubbs at bats tonight I say bring him up. Dickerson probably gets the call. Stubbs needs to go back and learn how to be a pro. hitter and use his skills. Striking out with his speed is unacceptable.
Yeah, no. He's in a slump right now, a week ago he was OPSing above .750. He doesn't need to go to AAA.

Him being fast has nothing to do with his hitting.

[PuffyPig]

He's now raking at AA and slugging .932 at all 3 stops (DSL, A and AA). After Stubbs at bats tonight I say bring him up. Dickerson probably gets the call. Stubbs needs to go back and learn how to be a pro. hitter and use his skills. Striking out with his speed is unacceptable.

Makes no sense to send back an above average CF while in the heat of a pennant race.

[GIDP]

Makes no sense to send back an above average CF while in the heat of a pennant race.

Especially one with a .263/.323/.461 since may 8th which is 1 day after he moved out of the lead off spot, and also includes his latest slump. Prior to that slump he was .285/.349/.500. Stubbs awful start is basically the only reason his average is as low as it is. He has been a .250-.275 hitter the majority of the year since he was moved out of the leadoff spot.

[Pony Boy]

He's now raking at AA and slugging .932 at all 3 stops (DSL, A and AA). After Stubbs at bats tonight I say bring him up. Dickerson probably gets the call. Stubbs needs to go back and learn how to be a pro. hitter and use his skills. Striking out with his speed is unacceptable.

I got excited when I read that he was slugging .932, but OPSing .932 aint bad either.

I would love to see Perez in AAA very soon. He may be a good September call-up

[camisadelgolf]

IIrc, Stubbs has been the Reds' best hitter next to Votto in the month of July.

[mace]

IIrc, Stubbs has been the Reds' best hitter next to Votto in the month of July.

He must be a better hitter on radio. On TV, he can be awfully tough to watch. I don't think I've ever seen a hitter so confused about when to swing. But then, the eyes must, to a degree, deceive; because the numbers really aren't all that bad. For all his troubles, he's delivered a lot of big blows this year. And he's still maturing. Put it all together and . . . my head spins.

[BRM]

IIrc, Stubbs has been the Reds' best hitter next to Votto in the month of July.

If you don't put a plate appearance limit on it, he was 9th. Put a 50 PA limit on it to capture only the regular starters and he was 3rd, with a .732 OPS. Which tells me most of the starters struggled during the month.

[camisadelgolf]

If you don't put a plate appearance limit on it, he was 9th. Put a 50 PA limit on it to capture only the regular starters and he was 3rd, with a .732 OPS.
Thank you for doing the math I should've done. Regardless, he's far from the team's biggest problem. At his worst, he's basically Chris Dickerson on a normal day. He has plenty of room for growth, and if needed, he also has three option years. I see him as one of those guys who improves with time, so I'm really not worried about him.

[dougdirt]

He's now raking at AA and slugging .932 at all 3 stops (DSL, A and AA). After Stubbs at bats tonight I say bring him up. Dickerson probably gets the call. Stubbs needs to go back and learn how to be a pro. hitter and use his skills. Striking out with his speed is unacceptable.

You can't force a player to be something he isn't. Stubbs isn't the type of hitter you think he should be and he is better for it. Taking away Stubbs power to trade it off for a few extra singles is probably a bad idea.

[powersackers]

He must be a better hitter on radio. On TV, he can be awfully tough to watch. I don't think I've ever seen a hitter so confused about when to swing. But then, the eyes must, to a degree, deceive; because the numbers really aren't all that bad. For all his troubles, he's delivered a lot of big blows this year. And he's still maturing. Put it all together and . . . my head spins.


This is what I'm seeing too, or at least believe I see. He's trying to be Jonny Gomes when he needs to be Carl Crawford. The power should come, not be forced. Striking out is the worst thing you can do obviously. He does it too much and it hurts the team in close games. Until he figures it out, put in Dickerson who'll get on base at more of a .350+ clip and put the ball in play more than K. I still say let Stubbs figure it out in AAA. Dickerson is a heck of a CF too.

[dougdirt]

This is what I'm seeing too, or at least believe I see. He's trying to be Jonny Gomes when he needs to be Carl Crawford. The power should come, not be forced. Striking out is the worst thing you can do obviously. He does it too much and it hurts the team in close games. Until he figures it out, put in Dickerson who'll get on base at more of a .350+ clip and put the ball in play more than K. I still say let Stubbs figure it out in AAA. Dickerson is a heck of a CF too.

Striking out isn't the worst thing you can do. Grounding into a double play on the first pitch you see is worse. Stubbs isn't this teams problem, not in the slightest. The question I have for you is this.... What is Stubbs supposed to 'figure out' in AAA? How do you go about getting him to that point?

[powersackers]

Striking out isn't the worst thing you can do. Grounding into a double play on the first pitch you see is worse. Stubbs isn't this teams problem, not in the slightest. The question I have for you is this.... What is Stubbs supposed to 'figure out' in AAA? How do you go about getting him to that point?

Good question. I want him to figure out how to be a professional hitter and not swing and miss so much.

33% of the time he K's
23.5% he gets a hit

He flies out slightly more than he grounds out.

He doesn't shorten his swing with 2 strikes, and he doesn't work the pitcher into favorable counts often - he gets into 2 strike counts roughly 67% of the time. Great/Good hitters change their approach with 2 strikes.

(count / average)
0-2 .181
1-2 .125
2-2 .137
3-2 .261

I hope he figures that out. Just my opinion. I'm not a stats junky I just tried to look some up based on what I see and want.

[dougdirt]

Good question. I want him to figure out how to be a professional hitter and not swing and miss so much.
I guess I have to ask what a professional hitter is then. What does he do that other guys can do, but don't?



33% of the time he K's

No he doesn't. He has been to the plate 377 times this season and struck out 106 times. That is 28%, and it really isn't a good number either way its sliced, but using PA is a much better indicator than using AB's.



He flies out slightly more than he grounds out.
So does almost everyone. Flyballs go for outs at a higher rate than groundballs do.



He doesn't shorten his swing with 2 strikes, and he doesn't work the pitcher into favorable counts often - he gets into 2 strike counts roughly 67% of the time. Great/Good hitters change their approach with 2 strikes.
You can't work the pitcher into favorable counts. They either throw you strikes or they don't. Stubbs swings at 'non strikes' 25.4% of the time. That is the third least on the team behind Ryan Hanigan at an incredible 18% and Scott Rolen at 24.7%. The problem is, Stubbs struggles to make contact on balls both in and out of the strikezone. He is last on the team of players with 100 PA in both outside of the zone contact rate and inside of the zone contact rate.

I am not sure what you can do to change that in terms of 'teaching him' how to do something. The only thing I can think of would be to work on his bunting skills and hope that he can bunt well. It could improve his contact rate and likely his AVG/OBP, but you would also be giving up some of his power.

[powersackers]

I guess I have to ask what a professional hitter is then. What does he do that other guys can do, but don't?


No he doesn't. He has been to the plate 377 times this season and struck out 106 times. That is 28%, and it really isn't a good number either way its sliced, but using PA is a much better indicator than using AB's.


So does almost everyone. Flyballs go for outs at a higher rate than groundballs do.


You can't work the pitcher into favorable counts. They either throw you strikes or they don't. Stubbs swings at 'non strikes' 25.4% of the time. That is the third least on the team behind Ryan Hanigan at an incredible 18% and Scott Rolen at 24.7%. The problem is, Stubbs struggles to make contact on balls both in and out of the strikezone. He is last on the team of players with 100 PA in both outside of the zone contact rate and inside of the zone contact rate.

I am not sure what you can do to change that in terms of 'teaching him' how to do something. The only thing I can think of would be to work on his bunting skills and hope that he can bunt well. It could improve his contact rate and likely his AVG/OBP, but you would also be giving up some of his power.

I don't do forums and back and forth like you do so well. But I have to comment on one thing....

You said "You can't work the pitcher into favorable counts." You make it sound like the batter has no control over what pitches he sees. Foul off about 10 in a row and see what happens, you might just get a walk outta frustration.

[dougdirt]

I don't do forums and back and forth like you do so well. But I have to comment on one thing....

You said "You can't work the pitcher into favorable counts." You make it sound like the batter has no control over what pitches he sees. Foul off about 10 in a row and see what happens, you might just get a walk outta frustration.

The amount of guys who can purposely foul off 10 in a row on purpose is limited to zero. No one can do that. If they could do it on purpose, they could also hit it where they aren't on purpose all the time and bat .700. Certainly Stubbs needs improve his contact rate, but your example is of something that just isn't capable of being done by anyone in baseball.

[texasdave]

With his speed a bunt single can easily become a bunt double (with a stolen base). I'd like to see him learn that particular skill.

[kheidg-]

I don't know how this thread turned into a pro/con on Drew Stubbs when it is titled for Felix Perez but count me on the side that agrees without whomever says that Drew Stubbs looks awfully clueless at the plate 75% of the time.

That said, how about this Perez kid... umm... err... adult? Seems to be raking.

[camisadelgolf]

I don't know how this thread turned into a pro/con on Drew Stubbs when it is titled for Felix Perez but count me on the side that agrees without whomever says that Drew Stubbs looks awfully clueless at the plate 75% of the time.

That said, how about this Perez kid... umm... err... adult? Seems to be raking.
As long as he capitalizes during the 25% of the time he doesn't look clueless, he'll be fine. He'll never hit for a high batting average nor make lots of contact, but he'll compensate for that with elite speed, elite defense, and above-average power. But back to the topic . . .

You have to be pleased with what Felix Perez has done so far. Not including his Dominican numbers, this is what he is on pace to do over 162 games:

G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS TB GDP HBP SH SF IBB
162 735 665 87 226 41 12 6 81 23 17 35 104 .339 .394 .461 .855 307 12 29 0 6 6
If he can do that consistently, he'll be a superstar, but unfortunately, that's pretty unsustainable. He needs to stay in AA, work on his plate discipline, and figure out what adjustments he needs to make once he's facing the same pitchers for the second/third/fourth/etc. time.

[Scrap Irony]

Stubbs needs to be more aggressive in the strike zone, especially with two strikes. He's taken more called third strikes than any guy with his power and speed combination ought to.

[mdccclxix]

A nice article on the guy. I think some have wondered if he's a bit of a loner, but maybe he just can't relate that well yet. I wish the best for the guy.

http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/08/12/625237/long-journey-for-cats-perez.html

[cinreds21]

Really good article. Perez is a great guy for not being able to communicate with me. I really like him.

[camisadelgolf]

I'm not saying Reds fans should get extremely excited about Felix Perez, but it seems like a lot of people gave up on him last season. However, he's having a minor rebound year in AAA while showing more patience at the plate. Depending on how events unfold, maybe he could force himself into the conversation of being a bench player in Cincinnati down the line.

[camisadelgolf]

Entering today, he has a line of .297/.347/.400/.747 while playing all 3 outfield spots for Louisville.

[BillDoran]

In 55 ABs this year, Perez is putting up a .300/.364/.520 line in Louisville, after last year's .301/.348/.401 in 400+ ABs.

While Derrick Robinson has been playing well enough, I wonder at what point you have to give Perez a chance. He's not really a prospect, as he's 28, but with reportedly solid defense and that bat, he seems like he'd be a solid candidate for the fifth outfield spot with a little more upside than Robinson.

Wonder where Walt and company stand on him, he doesn't seem to get a lot of press.

[OGB]

With the way Heisey is playing, I almost wouldn't mind seeing him get a minor injury that forces a stint on the 15 day DL so Perez can get an opportunity.

[cinreds21]

He has a hose of an arm too. I wouldn't be upset if he got a chance.

[Edd Roush]

With another bomb yesterday, Felix Perez has already tied his career high for HR with four. His line in 109 PAs is .286/.349/.510. His ISO is .224. Perez showed significiant progress last year with a .301/.348/.401 line in 428 AAA PAs. If Perez's power sticks, he could become the answer for who the Reds LF is on Opening Day 2014, if Ludwick can not return from his injury. Clearly 109 PAs is not enough to draw major conclusions from, but 109 PAs like this at such a high level can bring a guy back into the important prospect discussion.

[lollipopcurve]

Having watched the Bats some on MILB TV, I can say that Perez looks like the best hitter in that lineup. It's early yet, but I've been impressed.

[traderumor]

Starting to look like this guy needs to be given a chance to fill the Ludwick injury void. Too bad he doesn't swing righty.

[M2]

Starting to look like this guy needs to be given a chance to fill the Ludwick injury void. Too bad he doesn't swing righty.

That's all right, the lineup still would be 50% RH with him in there.

[Blitz Dorsey]

Starting to look like this guy needs to be given a chance to fill the Ludwick injury void. Too bad he doesn't swing righty.

That guy goes by the name of Xavier Paul.

[Edd Roush]

I wanted to re-bump this thread given the discussion around Felix resulting from his recent hot streak and Bernadina's inability to do much at the plate for the Reds in 2014 (as was also the case in 2013).

Felix's line is now at .303/.361/.518 in 217 PAs. Perez started hot last year, and this year his hot start has carried into June. With a .215 ISO, Perez is finally starting to show some power. Perez' walk rate of 8.3% is a career high (outside of 70 PAs in rookie ball in 2010), and while his K rate isn't great, 17.1% isn't bad. Perez' BA may be slightly inflated with a .340 BABIP, but Perez may be a .270/.315/.400 hitter at the big league level right now.

Perez is a lefty like Bernadina, but unlike Bernadina, Perez has not yet had a shot. With Bernadina languishing with a .176/.323/.235 line in 63 PAs, I believe the Reds should give Perez a shot. I would still plattoon Schumaker and Ludwick in left, but I would give Perez occasional spot starts and he would be one of the top lefty bats off the bench. Also, he probably plays better D than Ludwick and Schumaker so he could be a defensive replacement as well.

What does the rest of the board think about Perez?

[BillDoran]

I wanted to re-bump this thread given the discussion around Felix resulting from his recent hot streak and Bernadina's inability to do much at the plate for the Reds in 2014 (as was also the case in 2013).

Felix's line is now at .303/.361/.518 in 217 PAs. Perez started hot last year, and this year his hot start has carried into June. With a .215 ISO, Perez is finally starting to show some power. Perez' walk rate of 8.3% is a career high (outside of 70 PAs in rookie ball in 2010), and while his K rate isn't great, 17.1% isn't bad. Perez' BA may be slightly inflated with a .340 BABIP, but Perez may be a .270/.315/.400 hitter at the big league level right now.

Perez is a lefty like Bernadina, but unlike Bernadina, Perez has not yet had a shot. With Bernadina languishing with a .176/.323/.235 line in 63 PAs, I believe the Reds should give Perez a shot. I would still plattoon Schumaker and Ludwick in left, but I would give Perez occasional spot starts and he would be one of the top lefty bats off the bench. Also, he probably plays better D than Ludwick and Schumaker so he could be a defensive replacement as well.

What does the rest of the board think about Perez?

I mentioned it in another thread, but the Reds' brass seems to have a lower opinion of Felix than fans would like or statistics would seem to dictate. With the dreck they've trotted out in the past, it seems they him pegged as a AAAA outfielder. It's frustrating as a fan, because it feels so inexplicable.

It should also be noted though that as a particularly streaky player his stats are volatile and prone to spikes (as they have recently) and at a given cross-section he'll look especially worthy of a shot. We have a pretty good idea of who he is as a AAA player; .282/.333/.410 over two-and-a-half seasons in Louisville (though he is ISOing well beyond previous expectation).

That said, give him a chance. Bernadina is a known quantity.

[JaxRed]

I've not been a big fan of his but I think he has earned a look.

[PepperJack]

I'm in favor of giving him a trial run. He can play all three OF spots, has some pop in his bat, and the team already has a fairly substantial investment in him(500K).


I really think he just doesn't have anyone with influence on Jocketty pulling for him in the front office.

[RED VAN HOT]

I understand the need to back up the ML roster with AAA players that have some ML experience. I also think that I understand the need to treat veteran players with respect. I think it is time, however, to thin out that pool and get on with moving some of the lower level players up. In the case of Perez I think he deserves a shot. If hitting .300 at AAA is not good enough to earn a promotion to a poor hitting team, why did they even bother to sign him in the first place.

[Kc61]

The Reds likely think one of three things.

1. Perez is fine and it's just a matter of time, he'll be up soon.

2. Perez isn't major league caliber and his AAA numbers don't change this. It happens with some players.

3. Bernadina would have to be DFA'd and the Reds think he has more value as a reserve outfielder, he walks, he defends, he can play all over the outfield, he runs. He doesn't hit much.

Without understanding the reasoning, I couldn't pass judgment on this. It's easier to compare major league players. Just don't know what the Reds really think of Perez who has played in the minors. They may feel that for the 25th man, the Shark's defense and ability to play all outfield positions is the key.

[Tony Cloninger]

I wanted to re-bump this thread given the discussion around Felix resulting from his recent hot streak and Bernadina's inability to do much at the plate for the Reds in 2014 (as was also the case in 2013).

Felix's line is now at .303/.361/.518 in 217 PAs. Perez started hot last year, and this year his hot start has carried into June. With a .215 ISO, Perez is finally starting to show some power. Perez' walk rate of 8.3% is a career high (outside of 70 PAs in rookie ball in 2010), and while his K rate isn't great, 17.1% isn't bad. Perez' BA may be slightly inflated with a .340 BABIP, but Perez may be a .270/.315/.400 hitter at the big league level right now.

Perez is a lefty like Bernadina, but unlike Bernadina, Perez has not yet had a shot. With Bernadina languishing with a .176/.323/.235 line in 63 PAs, I believe the Reds should give Perez a shot. I would still plattoon Schumaker and Ludwick in left, but I would give Perez occasional spot starts and he would be one of the top lefty bats off the bench. Also, he probably plays better D than Ludwick and Schumaker so he could be a defensive replacement as well.

What does the rest of the board think about Perez?


I have been harping on bringing up for last 2 months now. Without even looking at the numbers you brought up. I am glad you broke them down even better. I can only imagine they do not like his defense or they do not think his approach will translate well in the majors. I really don't know or get it.

[HokieRed]

The Reds likely think one of three things.

1. Perez is fine and it's just a matter of time, he'll be up soon.

2. Perez isn't major league caliber and his AAA numbers don't change this. It happens with some players.

3. Bernadina would have to be DFA'd and the Reds think he has more value as a reserve outfielder, he walks, he defends, he can play all over the outfield, he runs. He doesn't hit much.

Without understanding the reasoning, I couldn't pass judgment on this. It's easier to compare major league players. Just don't know what the Reds really think of Perez who has played in the minors. They may feel that for the 25th man, the Shark's defense and ability to play all outfield positions is the key.

I suspect they think two of these three things: some combination of numbers 2 and 3.

[texasdave]

I would rather see Perez languish on the bench in Cincy rather than Derrick Lutz. If Lutz is going to play sparingly, get him back in AAA for some regular ABs.

Of course, there is always that pesky 40-man roster obstacle.

[dougdirt]

I would rather see Perez languish on the bench in Cincy rather than Derrick Lutz. If Lutz is going to play sparingly, get him back in AAA for some regular ABs.

Of course, there is always that pesky 40-man roster obstacle.

Donald Lutz.

Derrik was a pitcher a in the system until 2011.

[Larry Schuler]

Reds, too, SIGHING [about] Cuban OF Felix Perez :beerme:

[reds44]

Is he on the 40 man? If so, it's probably just a matter of time before he gets the call.

[*BaseClogger*]

Looks like a 29 year-old who has finally figured out AAA to me. Happens all the time. Bernadina has been walking but has a .243 BABIP in a super small sample. I'd stick with Bernadina, a guy who has had success in the show before, rather than losing him and being stuck with Perez or bust...

[RED VAN HOT]

The Reds were willing to risk losing Bernadina earlier when he was DFA'd. Bernadina is 29 with a career OPS of .662. Looks to me to be a choice between someone who has finally figured out AAA versus a guy who has not figured out MLB. If Perez is a bust, then move; try Bourgeois. It is not the end of the world having to replace a fifth OF'er.

[Edd Roush]

Is he on the 40 man? If so, it's probably just a matter of time before he gets the call.

Felix is not on the 40 man which could be another reason holding him back, but there are 3 or 4 guys who could be removed with no long-term repercussions.

[texasdave]

Donald Lutz.

Derrik was a pitcher a in the system until 2011.

And that is not the first time that you corrected me on that. Don't ever get old.

[dougdirt]

And that is not the first time that you corrected me on that. Don't ever get old.

It's already happening. I have called James Allen James Avery several times this season in recaps.

[OGB]

It's already happening. I have called James Allen James Avery several times this season in recaps.

James "Uncle Phil" Allen

[mth123]

Seems like Back-up QB syndrome to me. 29 years old and never a big league sniff. The last time Bernadina spent significant time in the minors he had a .891 OPS at the age of 24.

Personally, I'd keep Lutz in the mix as the LH side of a LF tandem when Votto returns and there wouldn't be room for either Felix or Roger. IF Lutz doesn't hit, then Felix may get a look. Skippy on the roster may keep all these guys on the bench, but I'd use him more to give Phillips more time off and not as much in the OF unless these other guys fail.

[OGB]

We do have to keep in mind that this isn't a 29 year old that has been languishing in the minors for 11 years or even 7.5 like a Marquez Smith. As far as total games, he's played the equivalent of roughly 3 full seasons.

[Tony Cloninger]

We do have to keep in mind that this isn't a 29 year old that has been languishing in the minors for 11 years or even 7.5 like a Marquez Smith. As far as total games, he's played the equivalent of roughly 3 full seasons.


That is a good point. Either way....his production warrants a look. They already have a backup CF in Hesiey, along with RF. Schu can also play CF. It is not like they need Perez to be Paul Blair. Roger is really only used as a PH anyways.

[camisadelgolf]

Remember this guy? Felix Perez (https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=perez-002fel) is absolutely destroying the Mexican League this year.

[texasdave]

Remember this guy? Felix Perez (https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=perez-002fel) is absolutely destroying the Mexican League this year.

He and everyone else. The league ERA is 6.11. :laugh:

[camisadelgolf]

He and everyone else. The league ERA is 6.11. :laugh:
True, but he's tied for most home runs in the league with 38 over 87 games. :laugh: