After yesterday’s defensive circus in Oakland, Manager Eric Wedge expressed frustration with SS Jhonny Peralta. In watching the games this week, I wonder what happened to the guy who played the position for the Indians last season, you know the guy who belted 24 HR, hit .292 and played decent defense.
It’s obvious that Peralta’s confidence is shot. He appears totally clueless at the plate. His strength in hitting was driving the ball to right centerfield, and I can’t remember the last time he hit a ball with any authority that way. He now looks like a guy hoping to draw a walk when he’s at the plate, instead looking to drive one up the gap. He’s carried this lack of confidence into the field as well, where anything besides a ball hit right at him is an adventure.
The best thing for the young shortstop (he’s still just 24 years old) is to shut him down for the year. Play Hector Luna at SS for the rest of the year, or activate Mike Rouse, the SS they just picked up on waivers and added to the 40 man roster and play him at the position. The only thing to be gained by putting Peralta out there is to further erode his self esteem. Let him clear his head and start getting prepared for next spring training.
Now about next year. Peralta should be given another chance to hold his spot going into training camp. As stated before, he is just 24 and won’t be 25 until next May. He’s not the first young player to have a big first year as a regular, have pitchers make adjustments, and then lose confidence in his own abilities. However, the Tribe needs to have a better alternative if Peralta doesn’t regain his mojo than guys like Ramon Vazquez or John McDonald. They need to be prepared that Peralta might not shake his doldrums.
This team needs a veteran middle infielder, and preferably not Ronnie Belliard. For all the complaining about Hector Luna’s glove since he’s arrived, Joe Inglett is no better. Inglett has botched several double plays in the last few weeks, as well as booting some routine plays. I know he’s a gritty, hustling type player, but I don’t think he has major league talent.
Hopefully, the Tribe gives a better effort in the last 10 games than they did yesterday. They looked like an improved team in August, but it seems like all the air went out of the balloon the day Travis Hafner broke his hand. Maybe the Tribe can officially eliminate the White Sox at Jacobs Field next week. That would put a smile on the fans’ faces for at least one day.
JK
Cleveland Sports Perspective 