2007 form? Like when he threw over 200 innings and struck out north of ten hitters per 9?

I think Eric is right about Ross and Ogando as well. Both need that 3rd pitch (change up) to be successful as starters.

I think Perez still has a higher potential than #3-4. As said just a few years ago he was the one of the top prospects in baseball. Obviously the scouts saw something in his stuff to rank him that high, and people don't just magically forget how to throw a change up over night. He still has good stuff and is only 21. Most pitchers at the age of 21 aren't even in professional baseball yet much less the majors. Give this kid a chance and lets see what he has. We will never know what he will really be unless we give him a chance to shine. The Rangers don't really have much else to lose at this point.

I think everyone is in agreement here (minus goodasgoldyesmaam).

-too small a sample size to make an assessment
-going into age 22 season
-showed glimpses of great potential at MLB level last year
-forced into action because of injuries

There is really something to be said of being the youngest pitcher in MLB at any point in time. Here's what will happen. JD is not going to sign some second tier guy to compete for that 5th spot. He's not stupid. I could see a guy like Jair Jurrjens (down year, injuries, declining stuff) getting a look but that's about it.

Robbie Ross, Martin Perez, Justin Grimm and any "Jair Jurrjens"-esque signing will compete for that job. The guy who brings it in Spring Training will win the job. Simple as that. Perez is not going to the bullpen either. Either he pitches well and wins the job or he goes back to AAA. I'm excited to see what he can do next year.

I think Perez would be good if he was givin the 5 starter job and pitched every 5 days. On the other hand I can see him in the pen if we sign Jackson. Ross will be a good starter at some point but he needs that 3rd pitch his fastball is not dominant enough to get away with two like Ogando did a couple of seasons ago. Hopefully Ogando has it all worked out as he will be the #4 starter this year.

I see no problem throwing Perez out of the bullpen, sending him back to AAA, or starting him every fifth day. As it stands, I don't see a long-man in the bullpen or a spot starter on the squad, so maybe he fills that role. Feliz won't be much good at all this season, IMO, and will likely return in the bullpen at first. It wouldn't shock me if Lewis becomes the long-man, spot starter early into his return and will hopefully make the playoff rotation (pushing Ogando to the 'pen, IMO).

I've had my eye on Kazmir for a long time, as have our scouts. IF the Org sees redemption, they'll jump.
I'd like to see the first half of season in AAA, for Perez. He could use more honing and a 4mo. buffing.

I firmly believe that Perez needs another year in AAA, (maybe half year) to develop. He is young, and at times last year in MLB showed flashes of really good stuff. He just wasn't really ready, but due to numerous injuries, we had to bring him up early.

I still think he can develop into a very solid #2 on our rotation, but he should spend another year in AAA.

He needs to pitch somewhere and not be jerked around in and out of the pen long and short. Start him here as #5 or in AAA but let him have some continuity somewhere so he can develop instead of trying to be several things.