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Cardinals announce four-year deal for SS Jhonny Peralta

The St. Louis Cardinals made it official on Sunday evening, announcing they've signed free-agent shortstop Jhonny Peralta to a four-year deal. Financial details weren't announced, but it's worth a reported $53 million, according to CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman. 

Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said:

"We are pleased to announce that Jhonny has agreed to terms and I know he is equally excited to be joining the Cardinals. 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."

The Cardinals, in their press release, also provided details on Peralta's offensive and defensive abilities:

"The right-handed hitting Peralta ranks 5th among active shortstop in both slugging (.430) and on-base + slugging (.702) since 2010 and he's recorded 25 or more doubles every season since 2005, averaging 35 two-base hits over the course of his career. His .765 career OPS is ranked 8th among active shortstops.

"The 6-2, 215-pound Peralta has ranked among the A.L.'s top-three shortstops in fielding pct. in five of the last eight seasons and his .980 career mark is 5th among active shortstops. He had a career-best .991 mark this past season. Peralta has also made 203 career starts at third base and has also played some outfield and first base."

The Cardinals also acknowledged, in one sentence, Peralta's past drug use:

"Peralta, who in August received and served a 50-game suspension for violation of Major League Baseball's drug policy, acknowledged his mistake and took full responsibility for his actions."

That's enough for St. Louis, clearly. 

In the end, Peralta's off the free-agent market, after a busy week for the Cardinals (they traded third baseman David Freese on Friday), and a busy few days in baseball's offseason. 

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