FOB Top Prospects – #33 Fernando Perez

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Fernando Perez (3B)

6’2″ – 190 lbs.

DOB: 9/13/93

2013 Stats: .213/.270/.308, 3 HR, 27 RBI, 15 BB, 68K (Low-A – Eugene)

Fernando Perez’s batting average dipped dramatically after a June promotion to Low-A Eugene. He had 68 strikeouts in 211 at-bats. On the plus side, he had 9 doubles and 3 HR’s and appears to be growing into his 6’2″ frame. The 190 lbs. listed above appears to be about 20 pounds too low now but, that shouldn’t bother the Padres at all. Perez was drafted as a shortstop and quickly moved to third base where his bat (and size) will play better. Perez has a pretty left-handed swing and makes good contact when not pressing too much. The fact that he dropped into the 3rd round of the 2012 draft may say something about how scouts feel about the holes in his swing. He clearly needs work on his batting eye. I do believe that the .213 BA is an aberration and that it should come up about 50 points this coming season. If Perez continues to add muscle and can increase his power to go along with his pull hitting ability, he may wind up higher than #33 come next season’s rankings. Perez should get a chance to prove himself this season in the California League.

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