“Cabrera is a better offensive player than Inge,” says Dave Dombrowski – MLB News
According to a reputed sports website, Detroit Tigers' General Manager, Dave Dombrowski is convinced that Miguel Cabrera will be a better offensive player than Brandon Inge. Although Cabrera hasn't played much at third base, by losing some weight, he is looking to become a better defensive player than Inge, he explained in an interview.
However, the Tigers had to change Cabrera’s position last month when they signed a $214 million contract with Prince Fielder. Cabrera, on the other hand, was quite sensational at first base last season as he made the most of available opportunities.
Winner of three Silver Slugger Awards, the right handed striker batted with astonishing .344 average with 105 RBI’s and 30 home-runs. His OP of .950 was also quite outstanding. Cabrera’s hitting abilities makes him an asset for the Tigers.
"He will be OK at third base, from a defensive perspective," Dombrowski said.
"There are going to be balls that get past Cabrera that Inge would get to," he maintained. "But don't forget the three-run homer he hit in the second inning."
However, many analysts and baseball writers believe that Cabrera will not be as effective at third base. He has put up a lot of weight on in the last few years and he doesn’t have the athleticism and agility to perform third base duties effectively. To be efficient at his newly assigned position, he will have to be nimble on his feet.
Cabrera says he is up for the challenge. In an interview, he stated that he will be training hard to lose some weight before the start of Spring Training. In 2011, Inge played third base with decent results.
The lefty swinger, Fielder will be playing first base next season which will make Inge wait on the bench. Tigers’ move to sign on Fielder was a way to utilise two of the best hitters in the game to their maximum capability.
Dombrowski further added that Cabrera has the ability to produce magical performance even in crunch situations. With some more work on his defensive skills, he will prove to be a better third baseman than Brandon Inge.
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