Prospect Spotlight - Jason Perry

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Brian Durack's series on the Arizona Fall League prospects continues. Check out his regular coverage of the A's minor leagues on A's Y'all. - Blez]

The series on A's Arizona Fall League players continues.    For more information on the AFL, visit here.

Jason Perry is one of the most powerful hitters in the system, but a lack of a real position is hurting him.    He has put up some very impressive power numbers recently, but some scouts feel that his lack of range in the outfield may limit him to a first base/DH role, which would severely decrease his value.

Perry was drafted out of Georgia Tech in 2002 by the Blue Jays in the sixth round.   As a 22 year-old he destroyed rookie ball for a 1.310 OPS in 106 ABs, including 18 extra-base hits and 12 walks.   Great numbers indeed, but he was a refined college hitter playing against boys several years younger than him.     He moved up to high-A Dunedin for a bit before the season ended, but didn't get enough time to do much.

He started 2003 back in Dunedin and saw a small drop in his power, but he kept up a high average (.304).    Midway through the season he came over to Oakland for John-Ford Griffin as part of the 4-team Erubiel Durazo trade, which took place before the start of the season.   His power didn't pick up much when he came to high-A Modesto, but he did put up a very nice .393 OBP in 50 games, as well as a .305 average.

2004 would be an odd year for Perry.    He started in AA Midland, but put up horrid numbers due to a nagging back injury.   He picked it up once moved down to Modesto and was an absolute dominant offensive force.   He ended up leading the Cal League in on-base percentage (.431) and slugging percentage (.686) and mashed 24 home runs and 80 RBI in just 83 games.    If he had played in more Cal League games, he very well may have taken the league MVP away from teammate Brian Stavisky.

It was somewhat surprising that Perry was placed on the 40-man roster this off-season since he spent most of last year in high-A and is probably liked more inside the A's system than outside it, but if he can maintain his power stroke in Midland next year, he may be in Oakland sooner than many realize.    In order to end up there he needs to work on his play in left field so he can avoid the clutter of first base/DH at the top of the system.