Consistency strikes a cool tone with Detroit Tigers’ Johnny Peralta
The Detroit Tigers are hard at work in Lakefield, Florida. Preparing for the 2011 Major League Baseball season can be a menacing task.
Spring Training is on the calendar and the American League Central club has been taking active part in the Grapefruit League games. Some of the top players are breaking through the format to cement their roles in the coming season and Jonny Peralta is one
of them.
The shortstop has one thing rooting for him and that is consistency.
The former Cleveland Indians’ player was brought to Detroit in July, 2010. Coming from a third baseman position, Peralta provided good cover and service on the shortstop position. Even though his consistency doesn’t measure up to Placido Polanco, who was
more cherished for offensive plays on the shortstop position and the hitters’ plate, Peralta brings predictability to the Tigers’ formation.
Johnny usually stays quiet in the clubhouse as he’s more conservative than the usual ball stars in the club. His simplicity in lifestyle dictates his focus on the game. He usually talks to some players in the roster and they include, Carlos Guillen, Miguel
Cabrera and Magglio Ordonez. Other than them, he’s not so talkative.
"I mean, this is my personality", Peralta said. "It's nothing that I can change. When I need to talk, I talk. And when I need to be quiet, I'll be quiet".
His teammate, Will Rhymes, works out with him during practice. He recently expressed his view on Peralta and cited to see the big man play alongside him on Opening Day.
"He really knows what he's doing out there," said Will Rhymes. "He's always in the right place. I know where he's going to be around the bag. He's just very solid. He doesn't make mistakes. It's hard to be consistent, but he's under control".
Though Peralta isn’t a sure-shot distinguished shortstop, manager, Jim Leyland, believes there are reasons for acquiring the player and extending his contract through 2012.
"This was thought out a little bit when we got him", manager Jim Leyland, said, "I mean, it wasn't just, 'Let's make a trade.' This guy's been a good player".
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