Jhonny Peralta is not a great player. Nobody is saying he is. In my opinion, he is not a $7.5 million per year player on today's lowered pay scale for players.
He is a good hitter. Solid. Probably good for .280-20-80 type of numbers and a decent OPS. He is OK defensively, obviously lacking range as a shortstop, and certainly reminding no one of Michael Jack Schmidt - or even Brandon Inge - as a third baseman.
But I nonetheless believe Peralta should be the Tigers' opening day shortstop in 2011. This is a club whose lack of offensive production the last two seasons has been issue No.1. The Tigers' can't get enough "solid" hitters. And the Tigers don't have any alternatives. They are either going to get a weak stick or a stone glove if they deal for a shortstop. Peralta at least can make the routine play and hit. Another factor: Motivation.
Peralta will be playing for another contract. So the Tigers would be wise to bite the bullet and pick up the $7.5 million option on his contract.