With the SS now coming off a productive offensive weekend in LA, it might be a good time to put his run-producing numbers into some perspective, particularly for those clinging to the idea that this is a core piece worth building around.
Jhonny's 30 rbi have required 268 AB and have been somewhat aided by his 11 home runs, a sum second on the club to Grady Sizemore's 17. Grady is also the only Indian with more AB (290).
Impaired DH Travis Hafner now trails JP by eight, though he's also had 110 fewer AB. David Dellucci trails by six, but in 90 fewer AB. Victor Martinez, who has yet to homer and has played hurt all spring, is but nine rbi behind JP, though that has occurred with 70 fewer AB. Franklin Gutierrez is demonstrably ineffective as a run producer, yet he trails Jhonny by only 12 rbi in 84 fewer trips to the plate.
Most revealing for perspective's sake has been the work of Ben Francisco, the OF deemed inadequate for the MLB Opening Day roster. Ben is four rbi behind Jhonny in 99 fewer AB, though it must be remembered Francisco had two rbi stolen from him when umpires denied his homer against Texas.
Casey Blake has fifteen more rbi than Peralta, in 31 fewer AB. Ryan Garko leads Jhonny by eight rbi in 29 fewer trips.
Not only does this illustrate the inefficiency of Jhonny Peralta as a run-producer, but it mocks his employment as yesterday's cleanup bat. Bear in mind most of the above-mentioned have not been featured so favorably nor as prominently as has been Mr. Peralta, who is often found in the meat of the Cleveland order.
What is more, such figures receive too little exposure, but Sizemore, Jamey Carroll, Francisco and, more recently, Shin-Soo Choo---batsmen who have many times preceded JP in Manager Eric Wedge's order---today display outstanding OBPs, meaning the opportunities have been there for the man hitting .189 w/RISP and .128 in such situations when two men are out.
Clearly, a lot has been invested in the fortunes of Jhonny Peralta. One could argue that the manager has staked his job upon the play of this oversized, slow, lacking-any-semblance-of-range middle-infielder. What is more is 2b doesn't seem to be in his future---though the similarly-constructed Jeff Kent has made a fine career at that post---anymore than does 3b, where his arm would be an asset but his reactions likely lacking. Given that his career numbers do not compare favorably to Blake's, a player who has been diminished for his relatively unspectacular production in a corner infield role, JP would be even less profound offensively as a thirdbaseman.
This is all a long way of saying it is hoped Jhonny Peralta is liquidated as soon as his market value is sufficiently high to allow it.
Peralta is up to .243. He's participated in a lot of DPs on behalf of the pitching staff and his defensive mates. He's second on the club in runs scored. He's still young and affordable, with his inexpensive longterm contract having years to run. Someone might believe, as Wedge must surely do, that upside remains. Should that be the case, let that sucker have him. Peralta's best campaign was his first.
Nothing personal, JP. You're just not cutting it. You'd help best moved for something with longterm viability at another position of need. With Gutierrez, you might be the most tradeable positional assets available to GM Mark Shapiro. Most certainly, you are expendable.
Should you come back to haunt the organization, as so many dispatched from the Wigwam have, I'll accept full responsibility---for whatever that is worth. I've seen enough. Thanks, however, for trying.
Read the complete post at http://www.xanga.com/MALeonard/662950943/peralta-now-has-30-rbi.html