Jeff Riger: Looking More Like Inge Could Start At 2nd Base
Brandon Inge haters everywhere might be a tad upset after reading the following...
Let me explain.
Tigers President and GM Dave Dombrowski joined MLB radio earlier in the week and was gushing about his potential new 2nd baseman. I must warn you, if you despise Inge, like it seems so many people do these days, these quotes will be hard to take in...
In the interview Dombrowski was asked how Inge is handling the transition to 2nd base. The longtime executive replied "starting with the defense, there are not a lot of things that should surprise me about the athleticism of Brandon Inge, but if you watched him play second base, you'd think he'd played there the last 10 years." Dombrowski went on to say, "He's been tremendous defensively. I mean, I'm taken aback how well he's performed over there. He's got a great arm, great hands, but just making the adjustment -- I guess it shouldn't surprise me knowing him -- but he's been phenomenal over there defensively. People will be shocked when they see him play because he's been that good."
Of course the above comments are not to say that Ramon Santiago and Ryan Raburn are out of the running for the position, but it does sure seem like Inge has the upper hand at this point.
Dombrowski was also asked about the offense of #15, considering Inge has to hit in order to be able to play no matter how good he is defensively. "Offensively he's been very good," Dombrowski said. "He's stronger this winter. He's worked really hard. He's driven the ball. His key will be as we start spring training -- we don't want to get too carried away -- can he carry that forward as time goes on? He's using the whole field right now. We know he has pop in his bat. As long as he continues to use the whole field, and drive the ball the opposite way, he could go out there and have a really good year for us. It wouldn't surprise me if he went out there and played a lot for us."
We all know how bad Inge struggled last season at the plate, hitting under .200 and being sent down to the minors for a month. However, early in the spring, Inge has been impressive going 3 for 9 with a couple of doubles and just one strikeout. Of course this means nothing. There is still a lot of ball left to be played before decisions are made and Inge will have to continue to produce at the plate if he is to have any chance at becoming the team's starting 2nd basemen.
But it could happen, and if it does, Detroiters should be thrilled. I think Tigers fans should root for Inge. You want to know why?
As soon as I heard that Inge wanted to play 2nd base, I instantly thought GREAT IDEA. Because if he wins the position that means he will have started to hit again, and that is the best-case scenario for a guy who is owed $5.5 million this season.
Throughout the course of the last 4 to 5 years, Inge has been labeled a whiner, a cancer and a prima donna and I don't believe any of those names fit him. He is a 35-year-old who wants to play every day. Isn't that better than just being content with sitting the bench and getting paid no matter what? Don't you want a guy who still has the desire and passion to play the game rather than just collecting a pay check? I think the answer is obvious.
Inge understood that 2nd base was the only position open. So he went to Dombrowski and told him he wanted a shot. That's all he's guaranteed, a chance, and frankly, I believe that he deserves it.
So why all the hate? If the guy doesn't produce then he gets cut. But if he does, then he has the ability to contribute and help the Tigers win. Why in the hell wouldn't you want that?
One more thing before I get off my soap box.
For the people who are convinced Inge is a cancer, I would love to know what makes you think that. This is a guy who got sent down to the minors and instead of sulking and complaining, he bought guys dinner, taught them about the next level and even housed some of them. That sure sounds like a bad teammate, doesn't it? It's been no different at the pro level either as many of Inge's teammates speak the world of him and want him on the field next to them.
So the guy wants to play: What's wrong with that?
I admit it, I'm rooting for Inge. And I think you should too. Because if he wins that 2nd base job, than that means he has made somewhat of a comeback, a comeback that could help Detroit get back to the playoffs and maybe further.
