Yardbarker: Jhonny Peralta

Indians Expected To Name Alvaro Espinoza to Staff

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:58:43 -0500

Manny Acta and the Cleveland Indians have announced a press conference for tomorrow morning where they will announce that Alvaro Espinoza has been hired to a newly minted position: On/Off-Field Coordinator With Regards To Preparing For A Mid-1990s Style Run Of Success. Acta was enthusiastic about the hire in a chat with the media on Thursday. "When we decided to create this position, there were a lot of big names that people threw out. Roberto Alomar's name came up. So did Albert B...

Sandy Mania, Acta Thoughts and Other Stuff

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:00:00 -0500

5:02 PM: A big die off to the University of Akron network today. They were having all sorts of issues and this post was DONE around noon today but lovely jerks didn't let me publish it.. Be back tomorrow, hopefully in the morning with what I promise at the end of this one.

Gather yourself.

So wow.

Acta talked to Les Levine on Monday at 6:00 on Time Warner's NEON channel. It was his first one on one with a Cleveland media type and it was the first time he had some interaction with the fans.

A day later he did his second sit down in as many days with Bruce Drennan and right off the bat he dropped his first bombshell.

After a week ago when Omar Minaya was emphatic about Sandy Alomar Jr. remaining on staff for the New York Mets, I sort of just filed that one away under disappointment.

But something obviously changed that situation in a hurry.

Acta had a wide smile on his face yesterday and you could tell Bruce didn't even know what was about to go down. He knew Sandy had an announcement to make and he caught me off guard with such an announcement when he said he had a coaching hire.

The wheels turned in that one minute, who could it possibly be that he's waiting to announce on this program?

Then it all made sense with Sandy Alomar Jr.'s name was blurted out of his mouth. He barely finished the Junior before Bruce burst into cheering. Acta made the announcement live on the air on the Cleveland Indians own network. Then it hit the internet and I don't have to tell you the reaction.

I knew this was the reaction.

There is not one bad word I've read about the hire.

In fact, some have even gone as far as to praise the Indians for "finally doing something right."

Which we all know is crazy in itself, but even Joe Casual is pumped. Facebook reactions are all positive, there is no point in going over them!

Which is great. Like I've said in the past, I'm not one for hire him because he's a former Indian or hire him because the fans will want him. I look at that as a bonus. Sandy Alomar Jr. made sense and I wouldn't have brought him up in the initial stages as a possibility if I didn't think his hiring would make sense on the field.

If you now look at the staff, you now look at how well-rounded they are and the personalities and people we have.

Acta is at the top, bringing the Latin background as well as the expert communication and personality skills.

Tolman is his bench coach, someone who Manny feels will challenge his opinion (we'll get into that) and someone who's played the outfield, so there's someone for players to relate to.

Smith is his third base coach and infielders coach. A fiery personality that contrasts not only the current manager, but any other coach this team has had in the past few years.

Alomar at first base and to also instruct catchers. You know his primary job is to work the catching and that's big when you consider the Indians have arguably the top catching prospect in the entire game.

Belcher as the pitching coach. A successful major league pitcher who has had success and experience with not only instructing at every level, but with some of the current players on the roster and the ones that will be.

Radinsky as the bullpen coach. Again, someone who had success at the major league level as a reliever, working with players that he's had before. Working with guys he's had a relationship with. And as we've learned, his personality is one that you can be excited about.

All that's left is a hitting coach.

So.. Inside organizational hires: 2. Outside organizational hires: 3.

They figured it would be split 50/50, well if indications that Jon Nunnally is the favorite come true, it will be as Nunnally would make 3 inside hires.

The sad part in all of this is the fact that we won't get to see Torey Lovullo on this staff, which is something I really set my own heart to seeing. But hey, like I've said, Lovullo has a future as a major league manager, I truly believe that. I don't mind seeing him in Columbus for another year if that's the case.

Let's get back on track for a second.

Last bit on Alomar... Acta said the following.

"Sandy's a guy we had in mind from Day 1," Acta said. "We had to respect the position he had with the Mets, but he has a lot to bring to us [in working] with our young catchers, Lou [Marson] and possibly [Carlos] Santana down the road. Sandy loves it here, and he's loved by the community. We're very happy to have him here."

The Mets did in fact grant the Indians permission and as Acta said, it was Sandy's decision from there on out. When it came down to it, what did you think he would do? If you are offering him the same position as Cleveland is, I think Sandy has so many fond memories here, that he almost would kill to switch and I think that's what happened.

It is a slight upgrade over what he was doing with the Mets and I don't know if they offered him a higher position than what he had now, but he's a Cleveland Indian again and that's all that matters.

Alright so Acta was on Levine's show on Monday and Bruce's show Tuesday. He didn't spend as much time on ABAO and a lot of his chatter was about his family and his past and stuff we've been over or repeated from Monday, so I'll just review what went down then and I think it should blanket everything.

- On Tim Tolman as his Bench Coach: He's familiar with the Indians and not only a friend of Acta's, he's worked with him, Manny's played for him and he won't be afraid to talk to or challenge Manny when it comes to things. Remember Manny wanted someone who's wheels would be turning at the same time his was and as he definitely stated after Levine asked him, He didn't want a simple "yes" man. So while Tolman might be his friend, he won't be nodding with every move Manny makes and that's ultimately what you want in a bench coach. Someone who isn't afraid to challenge some thinking and if Acta is open to that, I think it has the groundwork of a successful hire.

- On Frank Robinson Talking to Him About Cleveland: Frank Robinson actually called Acta right away and told him nothing but good things about Cleveland. He said he made an excellent choice. That's good to hear from a legend.

- On the Lidle Plane Crash: I threw this in here because I found it very interested. Remember or not, Acta lived in the apartment that was hit by Cory Lidle's plane. Acta said he was about 10 stories below where the plane had actually hit, but he left 30 minutes before the crash happened. Couldn't even imagine what he was thinking when he found out.

- On Choosing Cleveland: Acta said he zeroed in, and this is something we've known, on a few teams when he was sitting at home after he got fired. He watched a lot of Houston and Cleveland because he knew there could be a chance obviously, but he also watched some New York and Washington because they were places he worked. Overall Manny said there are a lot of good pieces in Cleveland and that the farm system is rich and that was something he was attracted to. Again he started naming players and even through in some Jeanmar Gomez.

- On Jhonny Peralta: Manny continued to talk about how Peralta is a key for the team and even said he talked to Peralta on Sunday. Sounds like he now knows what Eric Wedge did about his attitude. He may look like he doesn't care, but he really does and doesn't choose to show it. Hey that's Peralta, and some guys don't wear their emotions on their sleeve. Hopefully Acta can form a good relationship with JP and turn him around.

- The lineup: For the first time, Manny actually expanded on some of his ideas. He said right now, Sizemore probably will be leading off based on the fact that he's done it before and too much pressure shouldn't be put on Brantley. He did say in the future though, he'll probably move Sizemore down to the middle of the order when the "young kids" are eased in. Brantley will hit at the bottom for now.

- A Set Lineup: Manny did say that in a perfect world, a set lineup from day one would be something he wants. But he did say those things also have a way of working themselves out. What I get from that is, he might not have something set from day one and he might have to shuffle a few times throughout the season, but eventually, the main pieces, provided they are healthy, are going to settle into a specific spot and a specific role. I think that's positive thinking. He also said he didn't know what happened last year or in previous years, be it injuries or whatever, but he wants a set lineup where positions are set, batting spots are set and it's from the start.

- Catcher: They are "exploring options" but the young kids will get opportunities. He mentioned Shoppach's name, but he seemed to be saying "Lou" more than a few times.

- Pitch Counts: Believes in them, but he believes in what the pitcher is doing at the time. He'll take a guy out when he sees him getting killed. But if he's pitching good he'll leave him in. That's common sense (again, wait for it) at it's finest. Also said you need to take into consideration age, what happened in the last inning, and even the last game, all that stuff.

- On the Poor April starts: Manny Acta wants to win regardless. He isn't going to put max effort in from day one of Spring Training, but he is going to stress winning all the games. There is no "on switch" for when it ends. He also said int he AL Central, a good start is important.

- Mangers Personality: Acta said when a team is young, like this one will be, it's important because they take after their leader. He knows what's up. He gets it. He said treat them like your own kids and get the best out of them. Show them that you are just like them and you are there when you are failing and successful. The guy has this talking thing down pat.

- Rebuilding Philosophy and his mentality on winning: He doesn't equate money to winning. He even threw in a nice dig to the Yankees by saying a team doesn't need to buy two pitchers to win. He thinks the Indians organization has made smart decisions given the circumstances with the rules of baseball.

- On What Type of Manager he is: Again, he said he was a "common sense" manager. He plays the cards that are dealt to him. Play according to what talent on the field provides. Wedge sometimes did not do that and tried bunting with the most randomest people. I can tell Acta is going to be well liked if he sticks to what he's saying. He said he's a combination of throw back and current baseball (statistics and that).

- Closers: He's a four out guy if the situation asks for it and won't be afraid to send Wood out there in the eighth if need be.

- This is a good question. He was asked how do you finish guys off at the major league level and the example of Franklin Gutierrez was given. Simply put, Manny said playing time will tell you. Specifically on Franklin, platoons may be successful for awhile, but playing time will eventually tell you what he's about. Remember this was one of the big problems that I've had with Wedge, so hopefully Acta follows through on this.

- Matchups: He is a believer in them, but he won't bring in a guy just because he's a lefty facing a lefty. The stats must back it up.

- Putting together his staff: He was looking for balance with people that could not only relate on the field with teaching, but could relate with players as well in terms of personality. He definitely did that all around.

- Rotation: They're counting on Westbrook to be healthy and will be in Puerto Rico to watch him, Fausto and Huff to be there and the competition will be between others and maybe free agent additions. So it sounds like he's going as far as Huff, Fausto and Jake if they are there to be in the rotation and maybe Laffey and then a competition between everyone else.

If you'd like to see a highlight package of Acta on with Levine, you can click this link. STO typically puts up videos like Acta being on the show, but so far nothing. I'll post the link if it ever comes up.

Alright I think that's enough for now. There are some roster issues and discussion I want to get into, but I'll save that for tomorrow in a sort of a preview to the Rule V deadline on Friday.

More things to consider: Acta's Cultural Impact and Coaches

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:21:00 -0500

With Acta now fully on board and the flurry of madness that was his arrival sort of over, I think it's time to settle down a bit.

First off, read my plea to Cleveland Fans everywhere about Acta. It was my formal here is why he is a good hire for Cleveland right now post and I came to this conclusion while writing the piece.

Out of the list we had to choose from, Acta was the best choice. Is he the best choice to run this situation? We all hope he is, but that is simply something we do not know right now.

I think any sensible Cleveland fan can come to that conclusion.

And with that, we move on, at least until I unleash Facebook Reactions on you tomorrow. Oh trust me, there are some real gems in there.

Let's just talk a little bit more about this.

And let's start with the impact Acta is going to have on this club based on his Latin roots and bi-lingual...ness.

I think people are taking for granted how big of a deal this is. I stated it myself in my case for Manny Acta and some people thought I, and everyone else that was bringing it up, was making too much of a big deal about it.

But I think I didn't do it justice. You need to read Tony Lastoria's latest post on Prospect Insider.

And let me just emphasize the three names he brought up that are central to this team.

Rafael Perez, Fausto Carmona, Jhonny Peralta.

When the Indians went to the ALCS in 2007, Rafael Perez was a dominant relief pitcher. When the Indians went to the ALCS in 2007, Jhonny Peralta had one of his best years and was clutch in the playoffs. When the Indians went to the ALCS in 2007, Fausto Carmona won 19 games and was a stud.

If you don't think those three players are important to this team, you are crazy.

I myself, like others, have had enough of Peralta. I will say it right now, the guy better do something that tells us he deserves to be on this team because the guy is on thin-ice as far as I'm concerned.

But perhaps this manager is one Peralta can better relate to.

All three of these guys are Domincan, as is Manny Acta. Not just from a Latin country but from Acta's Latin country.

It also appears he has a prior relationship with Fausto Carmona.

I think it is absolutely HUGE that this guy can sit down and just talk with these players and the fact that he is the manager, he is the guy putting them in the lineup, or deciding their roles, or where they slot in the rotation.

It's huge and I think it needs to be mentioned till it is actually overblown.

Then you factor in all the Latin prospects and young players this team has and their best one is from the Dominican?

I'm glad Tony talked at length about it because it made even me realize that it is a bigger deal than even I thought, and I thought it was a big deal. Tony also talks about some interesting offseason moves or possibilities that we won't get into today, but certainly will once the coaching staff is in place and this free agent market kicks off.

I know for one thing, I do buy the idea of signing some sort of impact player, but waiting till the very end when they come cheap. As pointed out, the economy still sucks and teams like Oakland and Los Angeles made a killing off getting veterans for cheap at the end on one year deals. There will be a pitcher out there for the taking.

Hey Sheldon Ocker is alive and talking... I think he stole the premise to my article though. Probably not, but a boy can dream.

(I'm just kidding, please don't think I'm serious.. If you didn't get the joke: I actually agree with Ocker's opinion for once, which means he isn't crazy like he usually is. Therefore, he stole my opinion.)

Let's talk coaches though.

I was tweeting yesterday while I was bored in Astronomy class about coaches and possibilities.

BENCH

I tweeted this and I've seriously been thinking about this stuff when I'm bored so this wasn't a little heyyyy crazy thought.

But Acta should bring in someone, all on his own, that he trusts. It would be nice if he had major league managerial experience, but that is a tough qualification to find. Hey I wonder if Eric Wedge is available?

Haha wow, okay too soon. But really, Acta said he wants someone that is thinking at all times. Someone that is managing along with him that he can turn to and ask for an opinion. That screams someone who's managed before. It would be nice to have two guys that have been mangers at the big league level on staff.

Possibilities that I can throw out: Ned Yost, Clint Hurdle.. Etc.

Should let this one up to Acta though as it will be his main source to rely on.

PITCHING

Over at IPI Tony posted that Scott Radinsky (no shocker there) and Dave Miller (some are saying, who?), are two of the top candidates based on their familiarity with the pitchers in the organization.

Radinsky has probably been on the top of everyone's minds for awhile now. Some credit him as "fixing" guys when they get sent down. The case was stated no better in that post. Radinsky is the favorite in my eyes. I don't know if Acta has a guy, but Randy St. Claire, the guy that Acta had with him at Washington, was hired by Florida yesterday.

Not sure I would have wanted him anyway. Let's go internal for this spot unless there is a better choice, but I like Radinsky a lot and so do others.

HITTING

Jon Nunnally is at the tip of everybody's tongue after Paul Hoynes mentioned him specifically in one of his news postings and there was the quote that some believed he was "the best hitting coach they've ever had."

Well we don't know who is saying that so who knows really. But if Nunnally can solve Andy Marte somewhat, that may be somewhat for real.

I really have no clue. Nunnally seems nice, but I'd like to avoid having the entire Columbus coaching staff promoted. Still if there is no better choice.

LOVULLO

The guy has to be on staff, right? I mean what else can he prove in the minor leagues? Get him up, put him at third or something. Get him on the staff someway, somehow.

SANDY ALOMAR JR.

Yeah I did it.

Alomar is with the Mets right now. He isn't a third base or a bench coach, but he's on staff. I don't know what his position is, if he has any interest long term with New York, but I'd go after him. Acta used to be the third base coach for the Mets but I don't believe he was actually on staff with Sandy.

Alomar was playing for the Mets for awhile, so I'm thinking they might have at least overlapped in "acquaintances" but Sandy played for them a year after Acta left.

Still, go after him and here is why.

Fans are still bent out of shape about this. They wanted guys like Omar back, which is unrealistic because those days are long gone. They wanted someone like Fryman because he played her.

Sandy makes sense! And what even more of a boost to Santana would that be if they brought him in long term.

You don't need fifteen catchers on staff, but you need one and I'd make Sandy that one.

Here is your fan suck up move, go do it and do it right now.

OTHERS

I have no more names in my memory bank. Of course Sal Fasano would be awesome though.

On that thought though. With Lovullo moving up, Sarbaugh should which means others should, which means there should be plenty of openings in the minors for someone. Get the mustache!

Acta should have free reign beyond that to just bring in guys he's qualified. If Shapiro and crew have suggestions or guys they really like, they probably should get consideration.

Choo-led Tribe hang 13 on Royals

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 21:57:49 -0500

CLEVELAND(AP) Jhonny Peralta drove in four runs to help David Huff become Cleveland's first 10-game winner, and the Indians snapped the Kansas City Royals ' five-game winning streak with a 13-6 victory Saturday night.

Oops - Jhonny’s D Gives the Tribe an L

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:00:06 -0500

It was one of those nights for Indians Third Baseman Jhonny Peralta during the 4-2 loss in Detroit. Since the all star break, Peralta has been the Indians top RBI man and arguably their most clutch hitter. He has settled into his new position and taken off at the plate. There hasn’t been a bad [...]

Game 132: Tigers 4, Indians 2

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 21:13:15 -0500

by Paul Sancya - AP A baseball that Jhonny Peralta managed to catch. View full size photo uploaded September 2, 2009 This was an ugly game. The difference in this game were two unearned runs given up by the Indians. There were five errors in all committed by the Cleveland defense, with Jhonny Peralta had three of them, all on fielding plays. In addition, the Indians grounded into three double plays, and for good ...

Top Ten Reasons Jhonny Peralta should retire...Now

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:31:00 -0500

Instead of a game-recap tonight, we're stopping to a new level and making fun of Jhonny Peralta, because tonight was atrocious. Many jokes about his name, his defense, and his eyes.

I present to you, Letterman style, the Top Ten Reasons Jhonny Peralta should retire...Now

NUMBER 10

If Peralta were to retire he could play in the local softball rec-league, where he'd not only get to play shortstop, he'd be good at it because he'd share it with another player, further increasing his range and making him the superior defensive player he never was.

NUMBER 9

In retirement, he could return to the Dominican Republic with his wife, Molly, where she'd be safe from all Arizona scorpion bites.

NUMBER 8

He'd finally beat Omar Vizquel in something other than with home runs... Retiring first.

NUMBER 7

With plenty of time now that he's retired, Peralta can open up a restaurant, where the main dish would be soup served in bowls with holes in the bottom shaped like a baseball glove to resemble Peralta's real-life playing glove.

NUMBER 6

Now with no baseball to worry about, Peralta can brush up on his English and become the full-time celebrity sponsor for LASIK eye-surgery. His commercial will show some of his greatest defensive plays ever, compiled from the September 2nd game against Detroit in 2009.

NUMBER 5

In addition to brushing up on English, Peralta will have plenty of time to eat a few more twinkies. Andy Marte will join him after he retires from the Cleveland Indians organization, where he took over for Peralta at third and became a Hall of Famer.

NUMBER 4

Jhonny could open up a clinic back in the Dominican to teach youngster how not to field a baseball. He'll also show them how to lose range and mobility by attaching cinder-blocks to his ankles.

NUMBER 3

Since he'd have no contractual obligations, or pressure to perform, Peralta will hit 844 home runs in the previously mentioned rec soft ball league. This breaks the modern single-season record set by Mark Sansaver, in Kenny Mayne's backyard wiffle ball league.

NUMBER 2

He could join the NBA, where slow first-halves are mandatory and strong second-halves are welcomed. Peralta could also double as an actor, where he could play the son of Pedro Cerano, "Jose Cerano" in a new sequel to the hit movie Major League called: Major League - The New Era.

AND... The NUMBER 1 reason Jhonny Peralta should retire...Now is...

Personally add "Jhonny" to every single computer's spell check so it doesn't suggest they change it to Johnny Peralta.

BONUS: Jhonny Peralta's mottos to live by.

"Why play third when I can play short."

"If you can't see the baseball, maybe your just blind."

"Why swing at the fastball when you can swing at everything?"

"Slow? No, I'm just in my home-run trot all the time." or "Slow? Maybe now that Victor is gone."

"Pulling is just as good as going the other way. Either way, it's going over the fence."

"Two is better than one, unless this is golf or I'm a pitcher."

"Dive? Only when the ball is slow enough."

INDIANS (58-72): CF Grady Sizemore, SS Asdrubal Cabrera, DH Shin-Soo Choo, 3B Jhonny Peralta, 2B...

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:19:34 -0500

INDIANS (58-72): CF Grady Sizemore, SS Asdrubal Cabrera, DH Shin-Soo Choo, 3B Jhonny Peralta, 2B Luis Valbuena, RF Matt LaPorta, 1B Andy Marte, C Kelly Shoppach, LF Michael Brantley. RHP Carlos Carrasco (debut). The Future and the Present collide: tonight's lineup from Castrovince

Game Thread: July 18, 2009

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:45:07 -0500

More photos » by Tony Dejak - AP Jhonny Peralta, moved over to shortstop for one batter because of shift, tries to turn a double play. Browse more photos » Seattle at Cleveland, 7:05 PM

Game Thread: July 18, 2009

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:45:07 -0500

More photos » by Tony Dejak - AP Jhonny Peralta, moved over to shortstop for one batter because of shift, tries to turn a double play. Browse more photos » Seattle at Cleveland, 7:05 PM

Game Thread: June 21, 2009

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 13:00:20 -0500

More photos » by Nam Y Huh - AP Jhonny Peralta had one of his best games of the season yesterday. Browse more photos » Cleveland at Chicago Cubs, 2:20 PM

Peralta’s Early Season Struggles Not New

Thu, 07 May 2009 13:03:44 -0500

We all know that the Indians are struggling despite beating Boston last night. Worst of all, some of the pieces of the puzzle that we thought were going to be relatively predictable seem to be underperforming right along with the question mark players. Jhonny Peralta is one of those who is underperforming. Or is he? Jhonny [...]

Jhonny on the spot

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 22:56:19 -0500

Jhonny Peralta helps keep the Tribe winning streak alive against the Yankees.

G38's "Magic Spell" Ineffective.

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 18:35:06 -0500

BY Matthew Sisto , October 15th, 2007 Curt Schilling resorted to casting a "magical spell" on his baseball after giving up a three-run home run to Jhonny Peralta in Saturday night's ALCS matchup. The spell, known as "Intoxicating Fury," is a detrimental type spell cast on single players in the online RPG EverQuest.