Jim Leyland looking to try Brandon Inge at second base – MLB Detroit Tigers News
According to a leading sports website, Tigers’ manager Jim Leyland will be looking to try Brandon Inge at second base in the upcoming Spring Training. Inge had requested Tigers’ General Manager Dave Dombrowski to let him play at second base, the source added.
Playing third base, Inge posted one of the best seasons of his career in 2011. His batting average was quite healthy throughout the season and he showed great determination, fighting spirit and mental strength to help the Tigers win important games. However,
after Tigers’ signing of Prince Fielder, Miguel Cabrera was asked to move to third base.
Although many baseball analysts criticised Tigers’ decision to send Cabrera to third base, Leyland is convinced that the move will pay dividends. Cabrera, who was considered to be too heavy for the position, has been training hard over the last few weeks
and news have surfaced that he has lost 10-15 pounds of his weight.
The move also caused Inge to sit on the bench and wait for his opportunity to arrive. Inge expressed his disappointed at the situation in an interview and he finally requested the GM to try him at second base. In addition to being a decent hitter, Inge can
be an asset for Tigers in the field.
"I hope it works out," Leyland said. "If he's really good defensively at second and can hit, it makes us better. I can use (Ryan) Raburn in left and use Delmon (Young) at DH, and vice versa. It's pretty interesting. I want to give it a fair shot."
"Inge is in great shape. He's stronger. He's in a good frame of mind," Leyland further added. "He just wants to play. If he's the best player, I'll play him. I love Brandon Inge. I hope Brandon Inge hits about .260 with 15 to 18 home runs."
His agility and athleticism is what makes him a special player for the Tigers. If Inge can live up to the expectations from a hitting prospective, he will have an excellent opportunity to revive his career. Jim Leyland, on the other hand, will be looking
to make the best possible decision for the club.
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