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.