Odds and ends

I was traveling on Monday and didn’t get a chance to write anything on top of the basic story about Brandon Inge’s comments. I think the characterization of him as angry and bitter, even though he actually used those words in one interview, shrouds what he’s trying to do here. He’s clearly not happy with this, and he’s not happy with how he has been characterized in some places, but he’s trying to make the best of the situation.

He’s still a confident player, evidenced by how comfortable he is with the idea that he can be a catcher again after basically three years away from it (hey, Robert Fick and Eric Munson did it). But considering the Tigers’ situation at catcher, he has a reason to try to be an above-average catcher again.

Other bits and pieces:

• Miguel Cabrera’s Aragua Tigres clinched their second straight Venezuelan League title Tuesday night and move on to the Caribbean Series, but Cabrera won’t be following them there. Detroit Tigers assistant GM Al Avila said that Cabrera will get ready for Spring Training now, rather than keep on playing. Coincidentally, Cabrera had been playing at DH for the past week rather than in the field, and a report on the Aragua web site suggested he was doing so to avoid aggravating a slight tweak in his quadriceps.
• No reaction yet from the Tigers to the Johan Santana trade. However, I would imagine they would echo White Sox GM Kenny Williams’ reaction: "Good riddance." From a personal standpoint, I’ll be glad when we don’t have to read about Santana trade talks anymore. Are the Yankees in? Are they out? Are they back in? Well, they’re out now.
• One more note on Inge’s situation, since folks continue to email and ask why he can’t start at third base and Cabrera in left field. Dave Dombrowski and others have mentioned that Cabrera prefers to play third base rather than the outfield or somewhere else. What hasn’t been mentioned is that if that the Tigers are going to sign Cabrera long-term, it might behoove them to keep Cabrera happy.