Brandon Inge Talks After Being Released
The timing might have surprised some but the outcome sure didn't as the Tigers officially released Brandon Inge Thursday afternoon after a loss to the Seattle Mariners. Inge admitted that he saw the move coming however he didn't expect it to be on Thursday. The veteran third sacker, catcher and all around utility guy stood at his locker for the last time answering questions about the move that many Tiger fans cheered and appalled, even though they haven't been able to do the same for the team recently.
Detroit has lost 6 of 7 games and finished a 6 game home stand 1-5, but nobody cared. It was all about Inge! From the Saturday doubleheader against the Rangers where #15 got booed in every way possible to a Sunday rare pinch hit appearance that didn't go his way to a Tuesday game against Seattle where he hit a double but made a couple of defensive gaffes, Inge has had it rough ever since the season started and now the team has put him out of his misery.
Below are some of the more notable quotes from Inge's session with the media...
Inge on the booing he received of late...
"This is an emotional city, this is a city that will back and they want their team to win. And, when they are not, they will let you know and there is nothing wrong with that. That just shows that they are fans one way or the other. I respect them all, I really do."
Inge, on if he believes another team will have interest in him?
"I would hope so! What did I have 20 at bats? Right around there? I showed power, but average and consistency is not going to be there unless I'm in there every day."
Inge on if he could sense the release coming?
"I could see the direction it was going. Not so much today but just the direction in general. You can tell when you're not getting that much playing time and you can tell the lineup that he wants to go with and how you are. There are no hard feelings, if I can't help this team, I will go somewhere else and try to help."
If another team were to pick him up, would he want to play 3rd base?
"Yeah probably! I'm most comfortable there but obviously I can play anywhere but I would prefer third."
Inge on what his fondest memory is as a Tiger?
"I would say just putting on the uniform. Wearing the uniform here and being in front of the fans here. This is the best sports town! I have been to all the cities and this is by far one of the best."
Listen to Inge's entire session with the media below...
