We like Peralta for LF

[Nigel Tufnel]

Yea, maybe insurance if Manny isn't ready to go early, or we play Jhonny at 2B. That seems more logical to me.

Could also be slated for 3B if there's a Hardy trade. Once the O's outbid the Yankees for him.

[VeveJones007]

Perhaps we're considering him for 2b ...that makes way more sense.

My guess is that they'd be ok with him in LF, but he's also insurance in case a deal comes up for Hardy.

[VeveJones007]

If they were going to trade Hardy, this is the type of move I would expect to immediately precede or follow the trade.

[NedFromYork]

What kind of deal will Peralta most likely get? I love it for 2B or for 3B/SS if Hardy gets traded. What is his defense like at SS and as an indfielder in general?

[TonySoprano]

So in his entire ML career, he has played 3 games in the outfield (all last year). As an infielder he has a history of being a bit above replacement level.

Interesting choice. Obviously the career .268/.330/.425 is kinda nice I guess.

Seems like we could do better but they might not be willing to spend for better.

The whole tweet doesn't make sense unless the Yankees are planning to DH Jeter.

[Nigel Tufnel]

The whole tweet doesn't make sense unless the Yankees are planning to DH Jeter.

Couldn't they play Peralta at 3B? (Assuming ARod's suspension is upheld).

[oriole]

Seems like a good move to keep some flexibility. He could play LF if Hardy is not traded, 3B if Hardy is traded. He would also provide some flexibility during the season if used as an everyday utility guy by moving around giving guys days off or have a good backup in case Hardy or Machado are hurt.

[TonySoprano]

Couldn't they play Peralta at 3B? (Assuming ARod's suspension is upheld).

I suppose but the last time Peralta had significant time at 3B was 2009-2010 and has played more than 5X as many games at SS.

[Scrat1]

Head scratcher here.

[twinedenter]

I doubt he will sign with us without being a FT starter. We would be a last resort. I sure don't wanna see him start in left over Urrutia.

[fearthenoodle]

If he signed here, he'd be an everyday player. That is not an issue.

[MDK02]

It's a solid bat no matter where they play him. I like that about him.

Hopefully he just used PEDs last year and not his entire career. Otherwise he might be pretty bad without them

[olehippi]

The Orioles definitely don't need another PED'er to worry about. Pass on Peralta.

[waroriole]

It's a solid bat no matter where they play him. I like that about him.

If by solid, you mean league average. I agree.

League average is a lot better for a SS than a LF.

[CaptainRedbeard]

Peralta is a decent infielder. I think he could be a 3B for sure. But a LF? They'd be moving him from one of the hardest positions on the defensive spectrum to one of the easiest. That would kill his value.

Then again, here are the free agent LF options (and why we won't get them):

Choo (definitely too pricy, draft pick)

Granderson (probably too pricy, draft pick)

Beltran (probably too pricy, draft pick)

Cruz (probably too pricy, draft pick)

Peralta (probably wants to play SS/3B)

McLouth (could happen!)

Hart (may not be able to play OF with multiple knee surgeries)

Davis (really bad vs. RHP, but a good platoon player)

Ibanez (bad defender, super old, is Voldemort)

Kubel (bad defender, bad last year)

Morse (bad defender, bad last year)

Boesche (bad...player)

Dickerson (been there, done that)

Colvin (Corey Patterson flashbacks...without steals)

Pierre (ok I'll stop now)

On the trade market, there is Seth Smith, who may be non-tendered by the A's. He's been a DH for a while now but has ok defensive numbers in LF. Shockingly, he's probably the second best option to Mclouth right now. We have limited trade chips, and I doubt we'll cash them in on a LF.

I think we can still salvage LF without going deep into the trade market if we get one of Mclouth or Seth Smith and platoon them with Rajai Davis or Steve Pearce. Otherwise, it's going to be Urrutia and Pearce.