Another offseason is coming to a much awaited end. The Detroit Tigers are getting ready to report to duty in Lakeland, Florida and thousands of eager fans are waiting to watch the Tigers start their journey for a World Series title. It’s no secret that this season is one of the most anticipated seasons in the last five-years. The Tigers coming within three games of going to the World Series, Tiger fans feel with the addition of Prince Fielder, this could be the year the Tigers bring a title back to Detroit.
There are still a few questions that remained un-answered that should be sorted out by the end of Spring Training.
Miguel Cabrera playing third: To move the best hitter in the game out of his position you know you must be a pretty good player. Prince Fielder is just that. Before the Fielder sign, skipper, Jim Leyland asked Cabrera how he felt about getting Prince Fielder and moving back to third. Cabrera gave his blessing, and will move back to third for the first time since 2007. Baseball experts and some Tiger fans are not too keen on moving Cabrera to third. Some feel that he will not provide the same defense they feel Brandon Inge would provide at the hot corner.
| Related Tigers Links |
| Tigers Home Page |
| Tigers Roster |
| Free Agent Tracker |
| Tigers Article: Big Trade Brewing? |
In 2007, Cabrera’s last full year at third, he had 23 errors but his UZR was -4.1. Meaning, he may have made a lot of mistakes but only cost the Marlins four runs. Cabrera’s UZR at first base over the last four years has been at least -2.0. Inge over the past four years has only averaged to save 3.3 runs a year. You factor in his minimal offensive production; Cabrera’s offense will make up for what he lacks in defensive skill. There has been photo’s of Cabrera working out with Miami Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez, and it looks like Cabrera has dropped a lot of weight since the end of 2011. During Spring Training, Tiger fans will be able to see how well Cabrera does at what he calls his “natural position”.
Fifth Starter: Roy Oswalt recently passed on the Tigers one-year offer, and it appears last year’s fifth starter, Brad Penny will not be sporting an old English D this year. It has been said there will be a competition for the fifth spot. Candidates likely include Andy Oliver, Casey Crosby, and Jacob Turner. Turner is favored to take the job of fifth starter for the 2012 season. Turner only made three starts at the major league level, accumulating only 12.2 innings pitched. With just a meager amount of time at the major league level, we’ve yet to see what this first round pick can do in the big leagues.
Brandon Inge: Jim Leyland recently said he has only a few lineups with Inge starting. Leyland also made it clear that Cabrera is his guy at third from the first pitch, until the last. In an interview with Inge, they asked what he thought about being a platoon player. Inge replied, “I love Don Kelly, but I don’t intend on platooning.” With Inge firmly decided against being a platoon player, and Leyland saying he doesn’t have many line up’s with him starting, it maybe time for the Tigers to cut ties with the longest tenured Tiger on the team. During Spring Training, Inge will have the opportunity to show that he has put his worst season ever behind him; and show at age 34 he still can contribute.
Prince Fielder: new league: A lot of concern is raised every-time a long time National League hitter makes the switch to the AL. Adam Dunn last year went from a prolific homerun hitter, to a minuscule contributor to the White Sox lineup. Fielder is going to face a whole new set of pitchers, and play in some new parks. Spring Training will allow Tiger fans to see if it has any affect on the newest Tiger.
About John Czech
Dave Danese 
Rachael B 
Jim Hamilton 
Steve P 