Five Numbers That Sum Up The Season
OPS+ |
K:BB-DET |
CAR-‘10 BAbip |
FB% ‘09/’10 |
CAR UZR/150 |
92 |
34:21 |
.039 |
30.6%/43.4% |
-5.4 |
What It All Means
Jhonny Peralta had an interesting 2010 season, starting off with the Indians at third base, getting shipped to Detroit and switching positions in the process, starting things off with a two homer game, and then treading water for the most part from there on out. Peralta’s 92 OPS+ showing him holding his own, but not necessarily being a dominant player on offense, and his K:BB ratio shows a similar solid but not outstanding performance. Some may point to his uncharacteristically low BAbip that dragged down his average (and in turn OPS), but he also had a huge jump in fly ball percentage, nearly a 50% increase, which if that continues, will likely continue to result in a lower average on balls in play. Finally, the Tigers relied on Peralta to be the team’s most-days shortstop, but he wasn’t exactly a whiz with the glove, nor has he ever been for his career at short, with UZR/150 of -5.4.
What Does the Future Hold
The Tigers are on the verge of bringing Peralta back for a two-year deal worth $11.25 million, with a club option for a third year at $6 million. A contract very similar to Brandon Inge’s, the Tigers may get a tad more offensive production out of him comparatively, but it’s hard to see him being better than a below average glove in the field. Offense is important, especially on this team, but Peralta may find himself sitting in the later innings of close games in favor of Ramon Santiago or Danny Worth. That being said, the Tigers could do far worse (and have, like in 2010 with Adam Everett) than going into 2011 with Peralta as their guy at shortstop.