Detroit Tigers 2012 Spring Training review – MLB Update – Part 3
After thrashing Miami Marlins 3-1 in their fourth Spring Training game, the Tigers were hoping to continue their impressive run in their next game against Atlanta Braves.
The Tigers had defeated the Braves in their previous two encounters of the 2012 Major League Baseball Spring Training Session and they were the favourites to win their fifth straight game. Not showing any signs of nerves, Jim Leyland and his men displayed
some high quality baseball skills to emerge victorious 5-1 in a completely one sided contest.
Tigers’ new assigned third baseman Miguel Cabrera was the star of the show as he hit his first home run of spring to help the Tigers secure another big win. Cabrera’s mighty home-run over the left field berm in the third inning helped the Tigers establish
complete control over the contest.
"I don't ever worry about him hitting," Leyland said of the American League batting Champion. "I want to see him get some action to get used to fielding the ball. I can't play him nine innings, and at the end of five innings he hasn't had many groundballs."
"He made a good play on a guy that can run," Leyland added. "It's only a tough play if you worry about making a perfect throw," said Cabrera, who played third base in his first four major league seasons."
Cabrera played at first base for the Tigers last season. However, with Prince Fielder signing on a nine year $214 million contract as a first baseman, the Tigers had to move Cabrera to third base. Although many national baseball writers and analysts are
convinced that Cabrera will not have a successful season at 3B, the hard hitting Cabrera has other ideas.
The striker worked hard during the pre-spring practice sessions to lose some of his weight. It will be interesting to see if Cabrera can post yet another 30 plus home run and 100 plus RBI’s season this year.
Ryan Raburn also made a useful contribution with the bat with a two run triple in a four run inning off Braves’ starter Brandon Beachy. Raburn produced consistent performances in 2011 and he will be looking to cement his place on Tigers’ roster this season.
Andy Oliver, who is competing for the fifth starting spot, also had a decent outing as he pitched three shutout innings for the tigers.
Showing their class, composure, depth and strength, the Tigers continued to impress the critics as they crushed Tampa Bay Rays 8-1 in their next spring game at the Charlotte Sports Park in Florida.
Doug Fister pitched with great control and accuracy in just over three scoreless innings. Delmon Young and Cabrera drove in crucial runs to let the Tigers secure their six straight win.
Continued in part 4
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