Winter blahs heated up with baseball hotstove
Tuesday, January 29th, 2008Ah yes . . . nothing like a little hotstove to keep the baseball fires burning. In Tigertown, all the talk is about Brandon Inge finally breaking his silence to reveal that he’s “not happy” about losing his third base job to the newly-aquired Miguel Cabrera, and further, that he “didn’t ask for (it).” Boo-hoo, Brandon. There’s no shame in losing your job to one of the best hitters in the game. Buck-up and take it like a man.
To his credit, Inge has agreed to report to Spring Training with his decker, ready for some catching duty once again — something he swore he would never do again. He should realize, however, that he could be the team’s starting catcher next year (given Pudge Rodriguez’ final year of his contract) if he plays his cards right. Hell, if he could modify his all-or-nothing-swing-from-his-shoetops batting stance (substituting more consistent contact for a little less power) he could have a nice career as a .270, 15 HR and 75 RBI catcher-3B. Will he do it? Doubtful. Inge’s arrogance precludes him from taking any backward steps – in anything. He’s got “Little Man” disease and is seemingly determined to be a starting thirdbase man somewhere next year. Good luck on that. In the meantime, I’d learn a little outfield, too. Can one ever be too versitile in this game?
What’s your team been up to this winter? Drop us a line!
- The Heckler