As if losing LeBron James wasn’t enough for Cleveland sports fans to stomach, now, horrifyingly enough, they have to prepare for the probability of Indians third baseman Jhonny Peralta leaving town.
Talk about your double dose of monumental heartbreak. I mean, seriously, how much more of this can these fans take?
OK, LeBron’s leaving, whatever, the Cavaliers still have stalwarts such as Mo Williams and everyone’s favorite, J.J. Hickson. But Jhonny? Nooooooooooooooooooo.
If Peralta isn’t dealt by the trading deadline, his career in Cleveland will come to a finish at the end of the season, with the Indians owning a $7 million option on him for 2011 – one that will, undoubtedly, not be exercised.
There goes the guy who failed miserably as the heir apparent to legendary shortstop Omar Vizquel.
There goes the inconsistent seasons he produced – one near All-Star caliber, the next more suited for a utility player.
There goes the lackadaisical attitude and rare, if any, signs of passion throughout his eight-year career with the Indians.
There goes an average fielder, at best, who didn’t have the range to play short and has proved only to be adequate at third.
There goes the franchise leader in home runs by a shortstop who has a grand total of six in 82 games as a third baseman and just 11 in 151 games last season.
There goes the speed demon on the base paths who has a total of nine stolen bases in his career.
There goes the guy who owns the unofficial worldwide record of waving at two-strike pitches on the outside corner.
There goes a disappointing player for the majority of his career in an Indians uniform.
What a blow this will be to the Indians and sports fans in Northeast Ohio in general.
And don’t think this won’t be felt economically in Cleveland. The Indians alone will lose a ton on all the Peralta merchandise they peddle at Progressive Field and their team shops. And how about the hit the bars and restaurants in C-town are going to take now that fans won’t be clamoring downtown to see Peralta play?
It’s enough to make Cavs owner Dan Gilbert write another nasty letter in crazy font on his home computer for Tribe owner Larry Dolan, since Dolan probably doesn’t own one – an unnecessary expense, you know …. like good players and contending for World Series titles.
Yes, losing Peralta will join the long list of Cleveland sports agonies, right up there with “The Drive,” “The Shot,” “The Fumble,” “The Decision,” “The Move” and “The Mesa.” Brace yourself, already downtrodden fans. Now we have “The Jhetting.”
All kidding aside, Peralta is a pretty good guy, one that is always approachable in the clubhouse during good times and bad. He’s not exactly a great quote – few are – but he’s willing to talk.
He was also, on far too few occasions, a pretty good player … one that has spent his entire big league career in Cleveland. That’s saying something, since our homegrown ones don’t even want to stick around.
But, let’s be serious. Peralta won’t be missed.
Contact Chris Assenheimer at 329-7136 or cassenheimer@chroniclet.com.
