St. Louis Cardinals Matt Holliday talks to a fan during the St. Louis Cardinals Winter Warm-up in St. Louis on January 20, 2014. UPI/Bill Greenblatt
As the Cardinals wrapped up their Winter Warm Up in St. Louis, outfielder Matt Holliday, one of the more outspoken players on the use of PEDs, was asked about the addition of Jhonny Peralta to the Cardinals roster. The former Detroit shortstop was suspended for 50 games, as part of Major League Baseball’s investigation into the Biogenesis clinic.
“I am against PEDs and always will be,” Holliday said. “But I also am a forgiving person, and he served his suspension. That’s the rules of the game. I’m happy to have him as a teammate.”
AUDIO Holliday speaks of PEDs and Peralta (2:30)
This past November, Peralta signed a $53 million, four-year contract with the Cardinals. While GM John Mozeliak knew the club would take some heat for signing a player who cheated to a big contract, many have moved on and are ready to forgive and forget.
Peralta hit .303 with 30 doubles, 11 home runs and 55 RBIs in 107 games with the Tigers. He hit .352 against left-handers. His bat will be an upgrade to Pete Kozma who hit .217 in 143 games.
Peralta obviously wants to put the suspension behind him, but has plenty to prove and wants to express remorse for his actions.
“I’m going to try to do the best I can do and try to help the Cardinals go to the World Series one more time and win.”
AUDIO Peralta talks at the Winter Warm Up (2:45)
