In the early 1990’s, the Cleveland Indians put together a good young team and signed most of them to long term contracts. This gave the organization the stability and price protection to dominate the Central Division of the AL. It looks like they’re at it again.
Jhonny Peralta, who hit 24 homers last season and helped the Cleveland Indians contend in the AL, signed a contract extension that could keep the shortstop with the team through the 2011 season.
The Indians said Friday the 23-year-old player signed a five-year contract through the 2010 season with a club option for the 2011 season.
“Adding Jhonny Peralta to the current group of players already under contract solidifies a strong core of position players that will help to ensure a championship future,” general manager Mark Shapiro said.
The article doesn’t mention money, but the Indians don’t need to worry about arbitration, and they will control Peralta through his peak seasons.
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The linked URL above has been updated to include dollar amounts:
“Peralta gets a $1.25 million signing bonus, $500,000 this season, $750,000 next year, $2.25 million in 2008, $3.4 million in 2009 and $4.6 million in 2010. Cleveland has a $7 million option for 2011 with a $250,000 buyout.”
If he maintains his 2005 performance (let alone improving), he could be worth Furcal money, let alone this deal. This is only a bad move if he tanks early, and the contact is easily movable if they find a better internal option. I don’t see anything not to like about it for the Indians.