How good is Miguel Cabrera?

Lets hope he doesn't get hurt???!!!

Is that a picture from the last few days? He doesn't exactly look slim, but it's hard to see where the gut stops and the jersey starts...

I really hope he can improve on defense. You really don't want to give up 30 errors a season at third base. Not sure if weight is the major issue or not, though.

I got the picture from the game story on the Aragua website. I can't guarantee it's from Monday's game, but the story had a "Photos by ..." line at the bottom, so I think it is.

Nice call Steve. Hey Jason, what's the idea of slipping a picture of Cecil Fielder in to your story on MCab. No matter, the guy hits like a mother so who cares! We are thrilled to have him.

To digress, Coach Gruden, yea I like Wilson too. He hit that cool HR off Santana in 2006 to win that 1-0 game. It's all a mute point if Inge won't catch. However, if he will, Inge/Thames/Rabourn are all younger and healthier. VW has that gimpy arm. The other three hit better and are more versatile. When Inge did catch, I think he was better defensively than Wilson.

It's far-fetched, I'll give you that, but if Inge will catch, I go with him, Thames and Rabourn. Inge can play at least six positions, Rabourn hit over .300 and plays at least five positions, and Thames plays three if you count DH where he gives us a power bat backing up SHEFF.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

He doesn't appear to have an ounce of fat on him after seeing pictures of him at Tigerfest, but very buff and just a very big guy.

Coach Tennant, for the record I for one hoping that Brandon stays a Tiger, but Brandon has may it abundantly clear that he has absolutely no interest in being a catcher. To here him talk about it he might as well have the plague. I did look back at some of his stats to refresh my memory and he was a pretty good defensive catcher. Really if you compare their stats, quite similar, and really pretty similar hitters. I dont know, I guess only time will tell.

Hey ya'll, its been quite awhile since I have posted (been reading though) so I figured I would jump back in the game and let you all know I am alive and kickin'

Anyway, MCab does look pretty good in that pic. Def looks thinned out in the face compared to last year.

I am just pumped about the upcoming season and that is all there is to it. It is going to be a sweet ride (minus any injuries that stem from that pesky Detroit water, that is).

As far as Inge....like I said before, he was always My Tiger, BUT..if he wants to go, get rid of him. It's better to release a guy and fork over some coins his way for the buy-out than have someone plague the lockroom (not sure if he is really that kind of guy, but when someone wants playing time and isn't getting it - it can change the best of them). I can't believe I just said that about Inge - but its the truth IMO.

I would def like to see Raburn stay! Santiago is good defensively and I am sure that is why JL will keep him - can't hit a bull in the arsh with a bass fiddle though. Thames - nice guy and hits for power but doesn't have the ave. Wilson - who knows at this point.

So in conclusion - I say they should talk to Inge and see if he wants to be a back-up catcher. If he says yes, then dump Wilson. If he says no, then release him early and pay him and keep Santiago, Raburn and Thames.

I don't know, there are alot of different possibilities here...

Anyway, hope you are all doing well..GO TIGERS!

Hey guys,

Long time no post for me either. A few quick comments:

1) Rich- you're a very lucky man. Those were some great Christmas gifts from your wife.

2) Cabrera looks good to me-- he's definitely bulked up muscle wise from his earlier years. Its good to see that at least some of the pudge has disappeared. (and speaking of Pudge-- I bet he'll push Cabrera to make sure he stays in shape.)

3) I doubt the Tigers will get a trade for Inge-- he's owed too much money and didn't hit for enough average last year. With that in mind, I've accepted a bench of Thames, Santiago, Wilson, and Inge. Raburn has proved he belongs with the big club and with an option available, he'll be a short ride away when (yes when- not if) someone gets injured and/or traded.

3) I like the rotation as Jason set it out and I think the bullpen shakes out like this: Jones, Rodney, Cruceta, Byrdak, Grilli, Miner, and either Bazardo or Seay. I don't see Bautista making the club but hope he clears waivers. I'm pulling for Bazardo-- I like his make-up but I also really like Seay. (personally, I'd keep both and dump Grilli but that's charted territory. All in all, it should be a very interesting sub-plot in an otherwise rather dull spring training-- competition-wise.

4. Anybody know what MLB contracts say about players playing in the different Winter Leagues. I'm mixed about Cabrera-- I think playing will help him stay in shape and experience is never a bad thing. Still, the potential for freak injuries-- bean balls, stepping on the bag awkwardly, etc makes me a bit worried. I guess the clubs don't mind, eh?

It's hard to say where the Inge thing will go. If he has a change of perspective and stays he could make Wilson redundant. I think wilson is done--he is having much too difficult a time with his rehab and how long can they stick with a borderline MLB player as a backup at a key position where his arm means everything?

Inge could get some important AB against southpaws. Keep in mind he hits them pretty well.

He hit .333 against them last year. Hard to believe but true. Could see Cabrera playing SOME LF against southpaws and Inge at 3B. Backing Pudge up would give him some ABs too.

I think much depends on Inge though. If he becomes a malcontent they won't hesitate in treating him like they treated Chris Shelton.