Peraza’s Last Stand

Opening Day has arrived, and Oswald Peraza has made the season opener roster. Despite a terrible slash line of .174/.269/.196 over 19 games this Spring Training, I believe that the once highly touted prospect can make an impact early this season.

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The great Yogi Berra once said, “Baseball is 90 percent mental. The other half is physical.” I believe that’s the case for Peraza and his disappointing performance this spring. There’s an added pressure in baseball when every at-bat feels like a do-or-die situation, where making the team is constantly on the line. Peraza wants to be a Yankee, stating, “The Yankees are the team I’ve always wanted to play for, even back when I was a little kid.” Wanting to be a Yankee while knowing you might end up elsewhere only adds to that pressure.

Only time will tell what Peraza’s fate will be - whether he’ll be traded soon or make an impact as a Yankee. I believe he can do the latter if given the opportunity at the major league level. Right now, his only roadblock is Oswaldo Cabrera, who has earned every right to the starting third baseman, but that could change if Cabrera becomes inconsistent or settles into an everyday utility role - something he has excelled at in the past.