Jhonny Peralta

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #17 prospect in 2003
  Because they have a wealth of middle infielders, the Indians sent Peralta to the Arizona Fall League to play third base. His ultimate position has yet to be determined, though his thick build probably will mean he'll have to move off shortstop. Offensively, he had a breakout year in 2002, raising his average 41 points, more than doubling his home run production and cutting his strikeouts by more than a third. Peralta can hit any fastball. He's steady defensively, with excellent hands and plenty of arm for shortstop or third base. His range is fringe average at best and he's a below-average runner who lacks quick reactions to the ball. Cleveland will continue to play him at shortstop until he outgrows or proves he can't handle the position. Because the Indians have third-base options, he may wind up at second base as part of a double-play combo with Brandon Phillips. Peralta will open this year in Triple-A.
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  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #19 prospect in 2002
  One Indians official says Peralta has the best hands he has ever seen on a 19-year-old. Those soft hands, and Peralta's over-the-top throwing motion, have led to defensive comparisons to former Gold Glover Alan Trammell. Peralta has a strong, accurate arm, and plenty of range. Defensively, there's no question he could play shortstop in the major leagues. But like John McDonald, Peralta still has a ways to go offensively. He strikes out way too often and doesn't produce much in the way of extra-base hits or stolen bases. Peralta will draw walks, but he still needs a better approach and concept of the strike zone. He's young, so he still has plenty of time to make adjustments. He could return to high Class A or move up to Double-A to begin 2002.
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  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #19 prospect in 2001
  The Indians surprised some by assigning Peralta to a full-season Class A team at age 17, but he held his own. Despite his youth, Peralta is mechanically sound defensively. He has soft hands and very good range to his left, but still needs more work going into the hole. He has a strong arm, and is already a quality defensive shortstop. Offensively there are still some adjustments he needs to make. He draws walks and has potential gap power but must make more consistent contact. He's only an average runner and not a very accomplished basestealer. Peralta already is halfway up the ladder in the Cleveland system, though the Indians will be patient with him. He likely will start 2001 in high Class A, and if his development continues, it's not out of the question that he could reach Triple-A as a teenager. He might be the most advanced young player in the system.