FanGraphs Audio: The Exceptional Fernando Perez
Episode 117
Fernando Perez is (a) a former seventh-round draft pick by the Tampa Bays Rays, (b) a real-live published poet, and (c) a guest on this edition of FanGraphs Audio. Mr. Perez joins us from China, where he’s doing whatever Fernando Perez wants to do. Among the topics discussed: some writing projects on which Mr. Perez is working and what not to think about in the batter’s box of a professional baseball game.
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Audio after the jump. (Approximately 53 min. play time.)
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Carson Cistulli says terrible things at The New Enthusiast.
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Yep. Fernando Perez remains one of my all-time favorites. Smart, articulate, determined, and poetic. Thanks for interviewing him, Carson!
I love me some Fernando Perez.
Fernando Perez is hilarious. Fascinating to get such a nice candid interview
I am a huge fan of Fernando Perez. I wonder, though, if some of his actions and attitudes are feeding the MLB stereotype about ivy leaguers / guys with possible careers outside the game. Extensive overseas travel during the offseason (as opposed to strict workout regimen + winter ball), candidly discussing overthinking and lack of focus in his batting approach, downplaying the role of his injuries in his declining play…
Though I definitely don’t see these as weaknesses, I would imagine that some MLB execs / scouts, the ones who will be making the decision as to whether he gets another shot at MLB, might bristle at these and prefer the one-track-mind, predictable, baseball-is-all-I-know prospect instead…
I just hope that Perez will have a long career. It is so great to have a guy like him in (or close to) MLB.
Really nice work here Cistulli
Best podcast yet. Great guest, great interview.
Catching up on my podcasts and just want to say this episode is fantastic! As a Cubs fan, I was rooting for ‘Nando to make the team around this time last year. But, as long as Reed Johnson is around, it will be difficult for any young player to snag a 4th/5th outfielder job. And I say that with all due respect to RJ, who did have a great 2011 season.