Current Contract
Contract renewable through 2012.

Became a Cardinal
Selected in the supplemental first round (42nd overall) of the June, 2006 First-Year Player Draft as compensation for the Giants' signing of free agent Matt Morris. Received an $800,000 signing bonus.

2008 Season
Perez was forced into the closer's role for the St. Louis Cardinals sooner than expected with mix results. He appeared in 41 major league games, finishing 23 of them, while picking up seven saves. His 3-3 record with a 3.46 ERA was very impressive, yet there remains some questions or doubts about Perez stepping into the Cardinals closer role next season. He struggled in several of his September appearances, blowing a couple of saves along the way, giving some cause for concern. In his last 10 games, Perez posted a record of 1-2 with one save and a 5.19 ERA. For certain, Perez is sure he's ready and he's more comfortable in the closer's role.

2007 Season
The closer failed to convert his first save opportunity of the ‘07 season at Springfield (AA) but was successful in each of his next 27 before a late season promotion to Triple-A Memphis. Perez combined to convert 35-of-37 save opportunities between Springfield and Memphis.

Perez joined teammates Colby Rasmus and Bryan Anderson on Team USA, gold medal winners at the IBAF World Cup in Taiwan this past offseason. Appeared in two games in relief and allowed a run in 2.0 innings pitched.

Career Notes
Perez appeared in 25 games for low Class A Quad Cities in 2006. He posted 1.84 ERA and 12 saves, allowing 20 hits, striking out 32 and walking 19 in 29.1 innings. Opponents hit .198 against him.

Player Awards
Birdhouse Top 40 Prospect 2008: #4
Birdhouse Top 40 Prospect 2007: #8
Texas League Post-Season All-Star 2007
Texas League Mid-Season All-Star 2007

Photo: St. Louis Cardinals