Brandon Inge signs two-year deal with Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers made their first off-season move Thursday with the resigning of third baseman Brandon Inge to a two-year contract with a club option. Inge is the longest serving Tiger, and will probably
keep that designation for the next two years at least.
Inge was eligible for free agency, but the club was anxious to sign him before he hit the open market so they could concentrate on other off-season roster additions.
“I think with Brandon, you have to know what you have in a player,” said team president and general manager, David Dombrowski at the end of the season. “First of all, he's an outstanding defensive third
baseman. We all know he's a gamer. He gives you everything he can. He represents what you want on the field. He never leaves an ounce of anything behind that's out there.”
Inge hit 13 home runs last year and had 70 RBIs with a .247 batting average.
In 2006 he helped the Tigers reach the World Series, but in 2007 Detroit brought in Miguel Cabrera, prompting Inge to request a trade to a team he would be an everyday player for. Instead the Tigers opted
to keep him, and use him as a utility player. In 2009 he regained his starting role at third base, and he responded by reaching base in the first 24 games of that season, the longest such streak for the Tigers since 1976.
Inge was looking for a multiyear deal, something a little longer than just two years, but at 33 years of age, the Tigers weren’t sure they could go longer than two years. A third year club option ended
up satisfying both sides.
“This is where I want to play, as long as they'll let me,” Inge said at season's end. “A multi-year [deal], I feel like they're showing me a little respect. And it's another thing where everyone's comfortable
with everyone, meaning myself and the organization.”
Inge was originally drafted by the Tigers, and has played his whole career in Detroit starting in 2001. He currently holds the Tiger record for most strikeouts, and has over 1,000 career hits.
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