[horseofcourse]

I like the kid and have from day one. He is what he is. He was replacing a legend...a near impossible task and in 2005 he had a great year and played a huge part in their return to respectability. Shapiro made him the scapegoat of the poor 2006 season which I thought was insane. IT was apparent to even an imebcile like me the problem was the bullpen without question...not Peralta's D. You can find zone charts...zone ranking percentages whatever you want. He was scapegoated by management, they alledgedly got him glasses and crap and made it seem how much he improved last year. He didn't. He was the same as he ever was. He hit better in 2007 without question, but his defense is what it is. His range is not great at all but is better than the Yankees legend currently playing there, and he seems to do ok for the most part.

I have never heard Peralta say one word...cause one problem on the team ever. He never complains. He just goes and plays. He is an easy guy for me to root for. I dont' like to see guys scapegoated as he was after the 2006 season unfairly. He is not a great player and never will be. He has many weaknesses...he can not hold up on 2 strike breaking pitches low and outside...his range isn't great as noted. But he has good power...is a fairly patient hitter seeing plenty of pitches per at bat, and turns the DP with aplomb. HE's just an easy guy for me to like...sort of like Sizemore who also has plenty of weaknesses but people tend to ignore those...he can go get fly balls, but has a poor arm...he also strikes out a ton and doesn't hit for a high average like Peralta...Grady does walk an absolute ton making up for his high K totals. But he also just goes and plays and give 115 percent 162 games a year. Also an easy guy to like.

But PEralta's defensive weakness legend is beyond crazy. He will never win a gold glove...but come on...are you guys serious??

I am a fan of the INdians. I like Peralta. Sue me.