News: Indians SS Jhonny Peralta, who has limited range, has been playing third base during winter ball in the Dominican Republic. The Indians wanted to leave him at short, where he makes all the routine plays but many not be as flashy as former Indians shortstop Omar Vizquel, and the acquisition of Mark DeRosa on Wednesday will allow them to do so. Wedge said Peralta was not reluctant to move to third -- if that had been the Indians' preference. "He was great when I talked to him about it this winter," Wedge said. "If it's something we would have asked him to do, he would have done it."

Analysis: The added versatility would have added to Peralta's Fantasy appeal this season, but in the long run, you obviously want him to stay at shortstop. Having topped 20 homers in three of his last four seasons, he has some of the best power of any player at his position. He strikes out too much, which makes him a little bit streaky, but he ranks just behind the elite class of Fantasy shortstops. Draft him in the middle rounds

Jhonny Peralta has injured his hand in winter-ball, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.It is just a bruise and he is expected to be back in the lineup Friday for Aguilas in the Dominican Republic. The Indians noted that they have not yet made a decision as to whether Peralta will be moving from shortstop to third base in 2009.

Jhonny Peralta is day-to-day after suffering a bruised hand playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic. "He got jammed on a pitch," said Ross Atkins, Indians director of player development. [...]

The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Paul Hoynes reports Cleveland Indians SS Jhonny Peralta, who could move to third base next year, has made three starts at third base and one at shortstop in the Dominican Winter League.

Tom Singer, of MLB.com, reports Cleveland Indians SS Jhonny Peralta wants to play in the 2009 World Baseball Classic with the Dominican Republic.

Peralta took a step forward in most offensive categories, setting career highs in RBIs, runs, hits (167), doubles (42), total bases (286) and at-bats (605). If the Indians find a second baseman during the offseason, Asdrubal Cabrera could move to short and Peralta could go to the hot corner at third. If the Tribe lands a third baseman, Peralta will remain at short, where his limited range remains an issue but his bat is a major plus. Next year will be his age-27 season, and the potential for more makes him a Top 10 shortstop.

Indians manager Eric Wedge appears to be in favor of moving Jhonny Peralta to third and playing Asdrubal Cabrera at shortstop next year. "It's not working off of Jhonny," Wedge said. [...]

News: The Sports Xchange notes that SS Jhonny Peralta made his first start at third base since Sept. 25, 2004 on Friday against the White Sox.

Analysis: Peralta was pressed into service at third base because 3B Andy Marte is unavailable due to a strained left calf, and INF Jamey Carroll, who could have played third, needed a day off. It's hard to imagine going into the season that Peralta would end up being one of the Indians' most valuable players, but the truth is he has been a consistent force in a down season for Cleveland. Continue to treat Peralta as a No. 1 Fantasy SS heading into 2009