With the Indians in full 2009 mode after trading CC Sabathia to the Brewers, there's a lot of speculation going around Cleveland about changes that will be made with the team. Some guys may have new addresses come August 1st, and players that are still on the team may have new roles.One of the rumors going around is that shortstop Jhonny Peralta's days at shortstop may be numbered, and that the team is planning on moving him to third base in the future. It's a rumor Jhonny's manager Eric Wedge denies.
"He's our shortstop. I don't see us making any change anytime soon," Wedge said. "I see a guy who is doing everything he can to be the best he can be."So Peralta is good defensively, but only if the ball is hit right at him? I understand Wedge wants to support his player (especially considering that player is hitting .341 with 5 homers and 20 RBI since moving to the cleanup spot), but a move to third base would make a lot of sense.
"As [first base coach]Luis [Rivera] has continued to get a better feel for the league and different players he's helped Jhonny better position himself. He's doing a better job of being in the right place at the right time. There is always going to be that ball that is just off the glove. But he's as good as anybody in the game, if not the best, at the routine play."
When the Indians sent Asdrubal Cabrera back down to the minors this season, he mostly played shortstop, his natural position. The team also has Josh Barfield at second base, and though he's been limited to three games this season thanks to injury, the team is hoping Barfield will be ready to play and contribute in the second half.
Casey Blake is the team's current third baseman, but he's a free agent after the season, and his name has been floated around in trade talks so there's a possibility he won't be back in Cleveland in 2009. After Blake the team has Andy Marte, but he's been a huge disappointment and has no options left, so the Tribe may just cut him loose this off-season.
Peralta has played third base in the minors before, and has also played there during the Arizona Fall League, so it's not like third is a foreign concept to him. Jhonny may finish the season as Cleveland's shortstop, but don't be surprised if he's at the hot corner next April.
