Quick Facts
Biography
Pedro Julio Feliz (born April 27, 1975) is a Dominican former professional baseball third baseman in Major League Baseball. Feliz hit 20 or more home runs in four of his first five seasons as a starting third baseman and was an above average fielder at third base. He spent the first eight years of his major league career with the San Francisco Giants (2000 through 2007) before signing a free agent contract with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008.
Career
Minor League career
Feliz was signed by the San Francisco Giants as an amateur free agent on February 7, 1994. He spent parts of seven seasons in the San Francisco Giants' farm system before being called up to the Giants when the rosters expanded in September 2000.
San Francisco Giants
Feliz played for the Giants from 2000 to 2007, and was their only homegrown position player from 2002 through 2007. After a few seasons coming off the bench and starting occasionally, a number of injuries on the Giants gave Feliz the opportunity to become a regular player in 2004. He filled in for regular Edgardo Alfonzo for 51 games at third base, played 70 games for the injured J. T. Snow at first base, appeared in 20 at shortstop and four in the outfield. With the bat, Feliz posted career highs in ((batting average)) (.276), ((home runs)) (22), ((RBI)) (84), ((at bats)) (603), and ((games played)) (144).
Feliz has been moved around defensively throughout, especially during the Giants' injury-riddled 2005 season. By 2007, he had settled into the role of the Giants' starting third baseman.
Although Feliz is a decent power hitter, his career batting average prior to the 2006 season was only .255, and he draws few walks, having never posted an on-base percentage above .305 or an OPS above .793. He has often been criticized for his lack of patience at the plate. In 2006, he struck out a career-high 112 times.
On June 8, 2007, in a game against the Oakland Athletics, Feliz played catcher for the first time in his major league career. During that game, the Giants' starting catcher Bengie Molina left on a double switch. Their backup catcher, Eliézer Alfonzo, was injured on a play at the plate and had to leave the game in the 10th inning. With the Giants out of position players, Feliz moved to catcher, Randy Winn moved from center field to third, Dan Ortmeier moved from right field to center, and pitcher Noah Lowry came into the game in right. After the season, Feliz was honored with a Fielding Bible Award as the best fielding third baseman in MLB in 2007.
He was seeking a 3-year contract extension with the Giants following the conclusion of his contract after the 2007 season, but the Giants decided against such an offer. Feliz declined salary arbitration and filed for free agency.
Philadelphia Phillies
On January 31, 2008, Feliz signed a two-year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. The Giants offered Feliz more guaranteed money, but Feliz felt alienated by the Giants' demeanor during negotiations. In 2008, struggling with an inflamed lower back, Feliz's power declined from previous seasons, but he delivered one of the most important base hits in Phillies' history when he batted in Eric Bruntlett to score the winning run for the team in its Game 5 World Series clinching win over the Tampa Bay Rays.
On November 8, 2009, Philadelphia management declined Feliz' option for the 2010 season.
Houston Astros
On December 10, 2009, Feliz signed a $4 million 1-year deal with the Houston Astros.
St. Louis Cardinals
On August 19, 2010, Feliz was traded to the Cardinals in exchange for cash considerations and minor league pitcher David Carpenter.
Kansas City Royals
On February 3, 2011, Feliz was signed to a minor league deal by the Kansas City Royals, with an invitation to Spring training. On March 28, Feliz was released.
Camden Riversharks
Feliz signed with the Camden Riversharks in the independent leagues on May 13, 2011. On August 10, 2011, Feliz signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres and was assigned to the Triple-A Tucson Padres. Pedro returned to the Riversharks for the 2012 season.
Family
Feliz and his wife Niurka Mateo were married in December 2002. They have 3 daughters and one son