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 The Cardinals filled a need by getting a top-hitting shortstop a
month after losing the World Series in six games to Boston. Pete
Kozma and Daniel Descalso, while generally good fielders, are light
hitters.
The deal was expected to be worth more than $50 million.
"We are pleased to announce that Jhonny has agreed to terms and I
know he is equally excited to be joining the Cardinals," general
manager John Mozeliak said in a statement. "Jhonny is among the
game's top offensive shortstops, he's a steady defender and he has
experience playing for a contender. He gives us proven veteran
experience and brings balance and versatility to our everyday
lineup. "
But the move drew a different reaction from a couple other big
leaguers.
"It pays to cheat... Thanks, owners, for encouraging PED use,"
Arizona pitcher Brad Ziegler tweeted.
"Apparently getting suspended for PED's means you get a raise.
What's stopping anyone from doing it? (hashtag)weneedtomakeachange,"
free agent pitcher David Aardsma tweeted.
The 31-year-old Peralta was suspended 50 games last season as a
result of Major League Baseball's investigation in the Biogenesis
case involving performance-enhancing drugs. He returned to the
Detroit Tigers in late September and played in the postseason, both
in left field and at shortstop.
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Shortly before Peralta was penalized, the Tigers
acquired young shortstop Jose Iglesias from Boston in a
three-team trade.
Peralta hit .303 with 11 home runs and 55 RBIs in 107 games
during the regular season, then batted .333 with one homer, four
doubles and six RBIs in 10 playoff games.
The two-time All-Star is a career .268 hitter with 156 homers
and 698 RBIs in 11 seasons with Cleveland and Detroit.
The NL champion Cardinals have been busy since the season ended.
A few days ago, they sent third baseman David Freese, a hometown
product and the 2011 World Series MVP, to the Los Angeles Angels
for outfielder Peter Bourjos in a four-player trade.
The Cardinals cut about $45 million off last season's payroll,
and wanted to plug a hole at shortstop. St. Louis lost All-Star
Rafael Furcal in spring training for the whole year because of
elbow surgery.
Detroit did not extend a qualifying offer to Peralta, meaning
there would be no compensation draft pick involved in his move
from the AL Central champions to the NL Central winners.
Earlier this offseason, the Tigers traded first baseman Prince
Fielder to Texas for second baseman Ian Kinsler in a swap of
All-Stars with rich contracts.
[Associated
Press; BEN WALKER, AP Baseball Writer]
Copyright 2013 The Associated
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