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He'll mostly be at third, but second, shortstop, even outfield possible
By Stephanie Storm
Beacon Journal sports writer
Published on Saturday, Jan 03, 2009
Instead of disrupting three-fourths of their infield, the Indians opted to go with the acquisition of veteran Mark DeRosa, playing him at third base and keeping shortstop Jhonny Peralta and second baseman Asdrubal Cabrera at their current positions.
DeRosa, 33, who has played six positions in his career, is just fine with this plan.
He spoke with local media in a conference call Friday afternoon, two days after being acquired from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for minor-league right-handed pitchers Jeff Stevens and Chris Archer and lefty John Gaub.
''I'm excited to go to Cleveland,'' DeRosa said. ''I'm excited to play third base. It's a position I played a lot with Atlanta and Texas.''
The Indians were able to acquire DeRosa without giving up much in return.
Stevens, 25, was the player-to-be-named in the 2006 trade that sent Brandon Phillips to the Cincinnati Reds. He is the closest of the three to being major-league ready, figuring to
compete for a spot in the Cubs' bullpen either this season or next. Between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Buffalo, Stevens posted a 5-4 record with six saves with a 3.24 ERA in 36 games. He also participated with Team USA in the Beijing Olympic Games.
Archer, a 20-year-old fifth-round pick in 2006, went 4-8 with 4.29 ERA in 27 starts last season at low Class-A Lake County. The 23-year-old Gaub is a left-handed reliever (21st-rounder in the '06 draft) who also spent last year with the Captains. In addition to posting a 3.38 ERA in 34 appearances, he struck out 100 batters in 64 innings.
DeRosa, who was a seventh-round selection by the Braves in the 1996 draft out of the University of Pennsylvania, compiled a .280 batting average with 58 home runs and 310 RBI in 11 seasons with the Braves, Rangers and Cubs.
''The acquisition of Mark DeRosa gives our club an experienced, high character infielder who complements our team perfectly with his professional, right-handed bat and defensive versatility,'' Indians General Manager Mark Shapiro said Wednesday.
Although DeRosa primarily played second base for the Cubs, the Indians ultimately decided they would rather not disrupt an infield that already works for them, no matter how many times they hear Peralta is a better fit at third.
Considering that DeRosa has played 206 career games at third and that many baseball officials think it is his best position, the potential move makes plenty of sense.
''I think the transition to the left side will be a smooth one,'' DeRosa said. ''I've always felt more comfortable over there on the left side of the infield than second base.''
DeRosa's stock was high after coming off a solid season in which he hit .285 with 30 doubles, 21 home runs and 87 RBI in 149 games. His .376 on-base percentage as as well home runs, RBI, 69 walks and 103 runs scored all were career highs.
As intriguing as his high-water mark numbers was his versatility. Last season, he played 95 games at second base, 38 games in right field, 27 in left field, 22 at third base and a game each at first base and shortstop. In addition to third base, DeRosa has been told not to be surprised if Tribe manager Eric Wedge occasionally plays him at a corner outfield spot.
''Injuries and matchups always present themselves and you're forced to move around,'' said DeRosa, who is under contract through 2009 and is committed to participate in the upcoming World Baseball Classic for Team USA. ''I've always put the team first and that's what I'll continue to do. I don't believe I'll ever have just one spot, so I always make sure I pack my extra gloves with me.''
Stephanie Storm can be reached at sstorm@thebeaconjournal.com.
Instead of disrupting three-fourths of their infield, the Indians opted to go with the acquisition of veteran Mark DeRosa, playing him at third base and keeping shortstop Jhonny Peralta and second baseman Asdrubal Cabrera at their current positions.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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Tallmadge, OH
Posted 07:35 AM, 01/03/2009
A career .279 hitter who strikes out 20% of the time is not what the Indians needed for a 3B every day player. it's gonna be another long season for us Indians fans.
Posted 08:17 AM, 01/03/2009
Cross your fingers...we have aquired our yearly question mark player. Another Tribe season floats on a wing and a prayer.
Posted 08:19 AM, 01/03/2009
The word around the league is that Cleveland gave up alot, but not according to the writer of this article. Funny.
Stow, OH
Posted 09:21 AM, 01/03/2009
Ah ,the joys of shoestring budget baseball.I think they are trying to be the first team in baseball with all utility players at every position.Except of course Hafner, who can't play any.
Posted 08:01 PM, 01/04/2009
Just play Marte until Hodges comes around. If Marte takes fire then make a personnel move. Playin DeRosa is not a step forward at 3B or any other position for that matter.
We already have too many OFs as it is (all better than DeRosa also), we already have a utility IF, we already have 3 guys that can play second.
We also have 2-3 guys in the minors that could play OF, 3B and 1B.
Why even make this move for this type of player?
Alliance, Oh
Posted 06:54 AM, 01/05/2009
Peralta still at shortstop. Canceling my 20 game package. If I want to watch a softball shortstop, I'll go to the parks and do it for free!
