GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) -One major move is enough this spring for Jhonny Peralta of the Cleveland Indians.
The veteran shortstop is delighted the Indians moved from Florida into a new spring training home this year – but skeptical about shifting over to play third base.
“I don’t want to play third base,” Peralta said in the morning before boarding a bus to go to an exhibition game in Phoenix against the Oakland Athletics – where he made his first Cactus League start at third.
“I feel good at shortstop, but will do whatever they want. They say I will play a couple of games there. That’s OK. Just don’t forget that I am a good shortstop.”
Indians manager Eric Wedge said he is well aware of Peralta’s value at short and that he doesn’t plan a permanent move – for now.
if we need him. But make no mistake, he’s our shortstop.”
Before the Indians made a New Year’s Eve trade for versatile Mark DeRosa to play third, Wedge spoke about Peralta possibly moving to third with smooth-fielding second baseman Asdrubal Cabrera going back to his natural spot at short.
DeRosa primarily played second last year with the Chicago Cubs and the ring-around-the-infield scenario could occur at any time should Wedge get the inclination.
“Jamey Carroll will get most of the time at third if we give Mark a rest or move him to another spot,” Wedge said.
Carroll played a lot at third in the second half of 2008 after Cleveland dealt impending free agent Casey Blake to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Peralta didn’t wait long for his first chance Sunday. Oakland’s second batter, Jack Cust, hit a grounder between third and short – where Peralta was playing anyway in a semi-shift for the Athletics’ left-hand hitter. Peralta fielded it flawlessly.
“That was an easy one,” Peralta said.
While Peralta doesn’t have anywhere near the range of his predecessor at shortstop in Cleveland, 11-time Gold Glove winner Omar Vizquel, he does make all the routine plays.
“Jhonny is solid at short, has improved each year, and brings a lot of offense to the position,” Wedge said.
23 home runs, a career-high 89 RBIs and .276 average. He’s a .268 career hitter and has 81 homers since inheriting the position when Vizquel left as a free agent before the 2004 season.
“At shortstop, I am more comfortable, so I don’t have to worry about my defense and can focus a little more on offense,” Peralta said.
“But I can play good third base, too. I played there in the Dominican and also some in the minor leagues.”
Even as he plays shortstop regularly, Peralta said he will work out at third each day.
DeRosa has only a one-year contract, while Peralta is signed through 2010 with a club option for 2011. Peralta may or may not be asked to switch next year – though minor-leaguer Wes Hodges is considered a top prospect at the position. Hodges, 24, hit .290 with 18 homers and 97 RBIs a year ago at Double-A Akron.
“I don’t know what they’re thinking, but if they want me at third, I will do it,” Peralta said. “My agent told me that in the future, third base is the position I will probably play.”
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