The best defensive catcher in the system, Perez led the Midwest League by throwing out 44 percent of basestealers in 2009, his first year in full-season ball. He has above-average arm strength, recording pop times of 1.9 seconds, and is a good receiver. Despite his youth, he received strong reviews for his ability to handle a pitching staff. He has a good understanding of the game, embraces catching and brings energy to the position. The question with Perez is how much offense he'll be able to provide. His flat, line-drive stroke isn't conducive to power, and he slugged just .317 last season. He does control the strike zone and make consistent contact, so he should hit for a decent average. With his well-below-average speed and tendency to hit the ball on the ground, he hits into a lot of double plays. Perez has been likened to a switch-hitting version of Mike LaValliere, who carved out a 12-year career in the majors, and projects as a platoon player or backup in the majors. He'll get every opportunity to play in high Class A this year.
Perez remains a diamond in the rough for now, but he has the tools and has shown enough flashes of his ability that he could be on the verge of a breakout season. He spent his first domestic season at Missoula and was one of three Diamondbacks players on BA's Pioneer League Top 20 Prospects list (along with pitchers Bryan Shaw and Trevor Harden) despite uneven performance at the plate. Arizona signed him for $150,000 in 2006 as a switch-hitting catcher with good defensive tools. He has a solid approach at the plate with a smooth, linedrive swing and plenty of bat speed. He already walks more than he strikes out. His swing from the left is better at this point, and he's still growing into his body and tapping into his power, though he'll probably never have more than average power. He shows good quickness behind the plate and moves well, with soft hands and an above-average arm. With his quick release, he threw out 40 percent of basestealers last year. He's learning English to help him work with pitchers and is working on his game management. Perez is ready for full-season ball and should be South Bend's starting catcher in 2009.
Minor League Top Prospects
His performance didn't blow anyone away, but it wouldn't be a surprise if Perez followed Rosario's path and had a breakout next year. Perez, who signed for $150,000 out of Venezuela in 2006, has a good approach at the plate and puts the barrel on the ball. He has a quick bat and a line-drive swing. A switch-hitter who's better from the left side, he has some strength in his hands but needs to fill out his frame in order to hit the ball with more authority. Defensively, he has soft hands, a quick release and a 55 arm on the 20-80 scouting scale, which helped him throw out 40 percent of basestealers. He blocks balls well and has good instincts.
Best Tools List
Rated Best Defensive Catcher in the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2011
Rated Best Defensive Catcher in the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2010
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