Brad Ziegler on Peralta contract: ‘It pays to cheat’
Jhonny Peralta signed a four-year $52 million free agent contract with the St. Louis Cardinals earlier Sunday.
The shortstop was suspended for 50 games in 2013 for his role in the Biogenesis scandal but returned to the Detroit Tigers to play in the postseason.
He hit .333 (11-33) with a home run, four doubles and 6 RBI in the American League Division and Championship series’ combined.
St. Louis announced the signing earlier Sunday.
“We are pleased to announce that Jhonny has agreed to terms and I know he is equally excited to be joining the Cardinals,” general manager John Mozeliak said in a statement, via ESPN.com. “Jhonny is among the game’s top offensive shortstops, he’s a steady defender and he has experience playing for a contender. He gives us proven veteran experience and brings balance and versatility to our everyday lineup. ”
At least one player is not happy with the conditions surrounding the contract. Arizona Diamondbacks’ relief pitcher Brad Ziegler called out Peralta, and/or the owners, in a few Twitter posts earlier this evening.
"“It pays to cheat… Thanks, owners, for encouraging PED use,” Ziegler’s Tweet read, responding to the Peralta contract."
Ziegler is the Diamondbacks’ players’ union rep, and as such dove into that aspect of his perspective.
Just trying to make our game better when I leave it than it was when I got into it. Don't have all the answers, but trying, & MLBPA knows...
— Brad Ziegler (@BradZiegler) November 24, 2013
People really don't understand how this works. We thought 50 games would be a deterrent. Obviously it's not. So we are working on it again.
— Brad Ziegler (@BradZiegler) November 24, 2013
Ziegler saved 13 games for Arizona last season while posting a 2.22 ERA.