Brewers by position: Hernan Perez a 'seven-spot' player off bench
PHOENIX - If the Milwaukee Brewers played a game with only Hernan Perez on the bench, they probably could survive.
Perez, 25, rose to the majors with Detroit as a shortstop and played most of the 2015 season, split between the Tigers and Brewers, at third base. But last year he morphed into a super utility player, making starts at third base (45), right field (31), second base (eight), center field (seven), first base (four) and even one at short, his original position.
“It was a lot of fun,” said Perez, who didn’t let the constant movement from position to position affect his offense (.272 batting average, .730 OPS, 18 doubles, three triples, 13 homers and 56 RBI).
“I’m sure it will be the same thing this year. I’m ready to play wherever they want.”
That’s music to the ears of manager Craig Counsell, who forged a 15-year career in the majors by playing three infield positions with aplomb. Counsell treasures versatility, which is why Perez became one of his favorites last year, assuring regular play if not a regular position.
“One of the things that Hernan showed last year and why he has become so valuable is that he showed he’s available at seven spots on the field,” Counsell said. “There’s certain to be a place to play when you can play seven spots on the field.
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“There will be spots for Hernan Perez to play, and there will be spots to get him a significant number of at-bats. I see him almost as a regular. I see him the same way I think of Eric (Thames) or Travis (Shaw), or somebody like that. I consider like we have one extra regular player.”
Perez never had started a game in the outfield prior to last season but handled himself so well that he is listed as an outfielder for Venezuela in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. He added an outfield glove to the two infield gloves he regularly packs in his bag and no longer considers it a foreign object.
“At first, it felt weird to play out there but I’m getting used to it now,” he said. “I’m more comfortable in the outfield. They told me I’ll probably play most of the time in left field (for Venezuela). Some people say it’s harder to play in left than right. I don’t know.”
Perez parlayed his increased confidence in the majors to a banner winter ball campaign in Venezuela, winning the batting title with a .373 batting average. Playing for Aragua, Perez entered the final game of the season four points behind Yandy Diaz of Caracas.
“I passed him in my last at-bat with a bunt hit. They weren’t expecting that,” Perez said with a big smile.
Diaz finished two points behind at .371, giving Perez bragging rights in his home country until next winter. Now, he’s ready to compete for playing time with the Brewers wherever he can find it.
“I know we have a lot of new players, so I will do my best,” Perez said. “(Being versatile) will help. I will try to be in the opening day lineup. I want to be in the lineup every day. I don’t care what position.”
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Perez’s presence on the roster allows the Brewers to do different things with their bench group because he can play so many positions. They will need a second catcher and at least one extra outfielder but if it makes more sense at times to carry one more pitcher, it can be done without causing issues.
“Because he can play seven positions, you think you might be able to carry a guy who only plays one position,” Counsell said. “That’s the big thing you think of. As a manager throughout the game, it does give us more options.”
As for where Perez might play in any given game, Counsell knows there will be no complaint from the player. Sitting on the bench is the only place Perez doesn’t want to be.
“I don’t care where I play,” he said. “I just want to be in there and help the team win.”
Other than Perez, the Brewers will have a backup catcher from the trio of Jett Bandy, Andrew Susac and Manny Pińa, and one or two extra outfielders, with Kirk Nieuwenhuis expected to be one. Former starting second baseman Scooter Gennett is vying to fill an infielder/outfielder role as Perez has done so successfully, and slugger Jesús Aguilar hopes to win a backup job at first base.
By the numbers
96 - Starts by Hernan Perez in 2016 at six positions in the field.
34 - Stolen bases for Perez last season, fourth in the National League.
92 - Starts for Kirk Nieuwenhuis in ’16, including 68 in center field.
.178 - Batting average for Brewers pinch-hitters last year, 14th in the NL.
7 - Pinch-hit homers for the Brewers in 2016, led by two by Keon Broxton.