Ryan Raburn confident ahead of 2012 regular season – MLB News
Ryan Raburn has looked in terrific form since the start of 2012 Spring Training sessions. But has he done enough to secure the second base permanently on Detroit Tigers' roster? Raburn’s competitor for the second base is Brandon Inge,
who has produced decent performances this season to impress his managers and coaches.
The right handed striker failed to live up the expectations in first half of 2011 season as he posted a below par .213 average before the All Star break. Showing great improvement in his game play, Raburn posted better stats in second
half of the year to end the season with a goodish .256 average, with 14 home runs and 49 RBI’s at bat.
However, the battle for the available batting spot at second base will be tougher this season. With Miguel Cabrera moving to third base, Raburn and Inge will have to compete hard to grab the spot.
On Sunday, Raburn looked in outstanding form in a spring training game against Philadelphia Phillies as he hit a crucial two run home run off Cliff Lee to help the Tigers tie with the Phillies 4-4. Furthermore, his run scoring double
in the fifth inning off Jonathan Papelbon played a key role in deciding the outcome of the game. Tigers’ hitting coach Lloyd McClendon is very impressed with what he has seen from Raburn this season.
"I think this guy has a chance to put up some big numbers," said hitting coach Lloyd McClendon. “He's at the point now that he believes he's a big-league player. His self-confidence is certainly at an all-time high. He's a cage rat.
We're trying to be a little more intelligent how we go about it. I'm a firm believer you should build toward a season.”
"That's what we've talked about: 'Let's be a little smarter this year about how we work. Make sure it's quality work and not overdo it,’” he further added.
Undoubtedly, Raburn has the talent and skills to achieve greater things in his career. However, he will have to be consistent throughout the season to win back his fans’ hearts. It will be interesting to see if he can live up to the
hype.
Tags: