Editorials

Dodgers Rumors: Could Jhonny Peralta Be A Third Base Fit In 2014?

Since the departure of Adrian Beltre after the 2004 season, the Dodgers have been searching for a stable third baseman. Names like Casey Blake, Wilson Betemit, Blake DeWitt have tried and when Juan Uribe was signed to a three-year deal back in 2011, he was supposed to be the answer.

However, for two seasons, Uribe could barely hit his weight, but this season he hit .278 with 12 home runs and 50 RBI and in the NLDS, he hit the game-winning two-run home run to clinch the series. Uribe is scheduled to become a free agent at the end of the season and in his latest ESPN Insider piece, Doug Mittler discussed Jhonny Peralta as a possible third base target for the Dodgers:



Just 31, Peralta will be an option at both third base or shortstop for interested teams. Here are some clubs that could be making a call: Los Angeles Dodgers – Juan Uribe has had a bounce-back season at third base to stabilize a position where the Dodgers had four players with 17 or more starts in 2013. But Uribe did hit a combined .199 over the previous two seasons and his contract expires after this season.

Mittler also mentions the Mets, Red Sox and his former team, the Indians as possible destinations for the 31-year-old shortstop. 2013 has been interesting to say the least for Peralta as he was suspended 50-games due to his ties to the Biogenesis Clinic in Miami.

Peralta has put together a nice postseason for the Tigers, who decided to activate him after he served his suspension and he’s been playing both left field and shortstop. He’s hitting .357 with an RBI, but three of his five hits have been doubles, but has drawn the ire of many that he’s even playing after his suspension.

While Uribe has become a fan favorite (who would’ve thought), the fact that he continues to play well in contract years might scare Dodger management. The Dodgers primary focus is winning Game 6 tomorrow night in St. Louis, but they’ll continue to be linked to most high-priced free agents during and after the season.

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In case you missed it, here’s the “Mickey Mouse” celebration from Adrian Gonzalez in NLCS Game 5!

Ross Gasmer

Ross Gasmer is a Social Media Producer for @TheHerd and was a contributing writer and editor for Dodger Nation. Follow him on Twitter @Ross_Gasmer12

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