Boston Red Sox potential pitching FA bargains

Oct 9, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Oliver Perez throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the 6th inning in game two of the ALDS at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Oliver Perez: 2015 stats: 2-4 W/L, 70 G, 41 IP, 39 H, 15 BB, 51 K, 4.17 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 3.30 FIP

Perez, a 34-year-old left-hander, was once a starter who has transitioned to the bullpen and now is a situational lefty. When you examine his 2015 lefties hit a feeble .185 and right-handers a more robust .310. Perez also is prone to walks and plenty of them since he once led the National League in walks (105) in 2008 with the New York Mets – one of six teams Perez has pitched for.

The walk issue a caution sign with any bullpen operative and a career BB/9 of 4.9 shows that Perez can place himself in the inevitable spot of pitching behind in the count. Perez is also a fly ball prevalent pitcher that has a career ground ball rate of 33.4%, but does keep the ball in the yard with an HR/9 of 0.9 for 2015.

Perez relies on two pitches – a fastball rate of 57.2% and a slider at 42.6%. The speed difference is notable with the FB at 91.9 MPH and the slider at 79.3.

What Perez represents is situational depth for Boston and may be willing to take a minor league deal with a roster clause. Tommy Layne is a more reliable and cheaper option, but it is nice to have an insurance policy stored away at Pawtucket.