Fernando Perez: Poet, Outfielder, Unemployed

The Rays 2004 7th round draft pick, Fernando Perez, is out of a job.

Perez, an accomplished poet and avid blogger, was traded to the Cubs earlier this year as a part of the Matt Garza trade. In 2010, he struggled to find his rhythm hitting in the minors and failed to earn a call up as he did in 2008 and 2009. His hitting woes carried over to this season, as he sported a .240/.311/.340 slash through 280 plate appearances in Iowa.

Then, last week, the Cubs released Perez -- which seems like a curious move for an organization hurting for depth. Fortunately for Perez, his rough season appeared on the rebound. After suffering through an atrocious month of May (212/.250/.353), he put together an improved June (.298/.333/.372) and solid, though short, July (.273/.333/.636 in several games).

Perez is perhaps most known for his roles in this most excellent satire:

It is unlikely the Rays would find themselves interested in Perez at this point. He is 28 years old; he has one and a half straight, poor seasons; and he would likely be starved for playing time in the Rays' rich minors.

However, if the recent call up of Brandon Guyer sticks and the Rays do not send likes of Justin Ruggiano down, Perez may be an acceptable low-risk, medium-reward candidate.

Nonetheless, I wish him only good things.