Jose Peraza A Center Field Option
By Fred Owens
Mar 7, 2015; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Jose Peraza (70) throws to first against the New York Mets during the spring training baseball game at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
During Friday night’s game Mark Bowman pushed out a little piece saying that the Braves are once again looking at Jose Peraza in center field.
The Braves number one prospect Jose Peraza is once again being asked to learn a new position. While there’s been no decision made to move the speedy future leadoff hitter the Braves like Jace Peterson’s defense at second base better than Peraza’s.
Look at me, I could be in center field
Originally a shortstop Peraza was asked to move to second base last season because Andrelton Simmons has him blocked in Atlanta. In 41 games at second with Pearl Peraza made only two errors. This season he was promoted to Gwinnett and in his first 41 games there he’s made seven miscues in only ten more chances.
On the other hand Peterson’s settled in at second base, making a a series of web gem/play of the day worthy plays and becoming more comfortable in the leadoff role. Ideally Peterson is a two hole hitter and would fit nicely behind Peraza but with both playing the same position and according to Braves scouts neither having the arm strength to play third on an everyday basis they decided to look at other possibilities.
Peraza’s started off strong at the plate slashing .297/.339/.392/721 with 14steals in 15 attempts. He has two homers and two doubles as well and doesn’t strike out much but doesn’t walk either. The story emphasized that the Braves aren’t going to base their decision on one month’s play in any position for Peraza, Peterson or Cameron Maybin who has taken over center field since arriving from San Diego in the Craig Kimbrel trade. Friday night was his second game in center for Gwinnett.
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