Jim Leyland delighted with Miguel Cabrera at third base – MLB News
Detroit Tigers’ Manager Jim Leyland is looking very optimistic ahead of 2012 Spring Training session. Leyland’s side made the most of available opportunities last season to win the American League Central title. In Cabrera, they had a hard hitting
striker who could turn the game on his own. Justin Verlander led the pitching attack in an emphatic fashion as the Tigers secured memorable wins during the regular season.
Although the Tigers were unable to live up to the expectations in the playoffs, they proved themselves a force to be reckoned with. Verlander went on to post his career best season with a sensational 24-5 win-loss record. With 250 strikeouts and 24
wins, he became the only pitcher to win the pitching Triple Crown award in 2011 Major League Baseball season. Cabrera, on the other hand, continued his brilliance with the bat as he posted a sensational average with 30 home runs.
However, this year Cabrera will come out onto the field with a different role. There will be more responsibility on his shoulders and he will be looking to de well from defensive prospective at third base. Earlier this year, Cabrera’s position was
switched to third base after Tigers signed multimillion dollar contract with Prince Fielder.
Tigers’ move to play Cabrera at third base was questioned by many baseball writers and analysts. Critics believe that Cabrera is too heavy to perform third base duties effectively. However, Leyland is convinced that Cabrera can become successful third
baseman with some work on his defensive technique.
"I've really tried to stay away from that to start with, but everybody's really thrilled with what they're seeing," Leyland said Sunday.
"That's one thing I like about our club. We're pretty versatile," Leyland said. "You can put somebody out there to DH, get somebody off their feet for a day. I'll do it with Cabrera, Fielder -- just to get 'em off their feet. You think about different
scenarios. We can play around with that one."
The upcoming season will be of great importance for both Cabrera and Leyland. The player and the manager will be looking to execute their strategies to perfection shut the critics.
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