Inge wants to compete for 2nd base job...

**davidsb** · 02-17-2012, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by Yoda

What in the world makes you suspect that? It's not the easiest position to just step into. And what if he's hitting .180?

If he is hitting .180, he will be cut.

**Brian** · 02-17-2012, 10:55 AM

Maybe their trying to see if he can be a utility guy. Oh and I'm just waiting for the Justin Verlander ask's to play CF on his non pitching days. LOL!!!

**4hzglory** · 02-17-2012, 11:04 AM

Originally Posted by alwaysthrowheat

It's not a bad thing to have versatile players on your team. Kelly, Santiago, and Worth on the team add a lot of value, and add defense to an otherwise pretty poor defensive team. Inge has no experience at 2B, it's impossible to say whether or not he'll be good. Even his 3B defense has dropped off to about average, so it's hard for me to imagine he'll do well at 2B. If I had to guess, he'll be somewhere between Santiago and Raburn. Probably a bit below average. His best asset is his arm, and that will be negated at 2B.

Sure, I get it. He's already under contract. He's a fan favorite. He loves to play. That's all well and great, but I want the best 25 men on the roster, and the best 9 guys on the field. I don't feel as if Inge falls into either category.

Has anyone said he should get the job if he can't handle it? All they are saying is he is going to get a chance to learn the position and compete. If he can't handle it, yes he should get cut, but they have almost 2 months to see if he can. I agree versatility on the IF is much more important than just keeping Inge, but if Inge shows he can handle it, and be a 3rd Catcher, and be a 6th-7th OF/backup CF then by all means he should have the spot. They aren't counting on him playing 2nd. All Leyland said is he will get the chance to compete and since he is under contract I don't get why anyone has a problem with seeing if he can play the position. In no way do I ever want to see Inge staring 100-120 games again, but if he can handle the position (which he did play SS before he was drafted), then I am completely fine with him as a utility guy and he would likely be the most versatile backup on the team.

**alwaysthrowheat** · 02-17-2012, 11:10 AM

Originally Posted by 4hzglory

Has anyone said he should get the job if he can't handle it? All they are saying is he is going to get a chance to learn the position and compete. If he can't handle it, yes he should get cut, but they have almost 2 months to see if he can. I agree versatility on the IF is much more important than just keeping Inge, but if Inge shows he can handle it, and be a 3rd Catcher, and be a 6th-7th OF/backup CF then by all means he should have the spot. They aren't counting on him playing 2nd. All Leyland said is he will get the chance to compete and since he is under contract I don't get why anyone has a problem with seeing if he can play the position. In no way do I ever want to see Inge staring 100-120 games again, but if he can handle the position (which he did play SS before he was drafted), then I am completely fine with him as a utility guy and he would likely be the most versatile backup on the team.

This is the problem though. He's not going to catch. He's not going to play the OF. He was a SS 15 years ago, it's pretty irrelevant. Cabrera was a SS too at one time, and Paul Konerko was a catcher. Sure though, let's see what he can do. Sight unseen at this point, I'll take Worth.

**Antrat** · 02-17-2012, 11:14 AM

I wish Inge would open his mouth more often.
It gets the local sports guys talking baseball like crazy, instead of the Lion's mock draft for the year 2034.

**4hzglory** · 02-17-2012, 11:18 AM

Originally Posted by alwaysthrowheat

This is the problem though. He's not going to catch. He's not going to play the OF. He was a SS 15 years ago, it's pretty irrelevant. Cabrera was a SS too at one time, and Paul Konerko was a catcher. Sure though, let's see what he can do. Sight unseen at this point, I'll take Worth.

The point is we don't have to be sight unseen. We have approx 6 weeks to see. If he can't handle 2nd or SS I hope he is cut and they keep Worth, because I think Raburn would then get more time in LF. I just have no problem with using the spring to see what Inge can or cannot do at other positions.

**Shelton** · 02-17-2012, 01:08 PM

Originally Posted by alwaysthrowheat

This is the problem though. He's not going to catch. He's not going to play the OF. He was a SS 15 years ago, it's pretty irrelevant. Cabrera was a SS too at one time, and Paul Konerko was a catcher. Sure though, let's see what he can do. Sight unseen at this point, I'll take Worth.

That a hell of a straw man you created with Konerko and Cabrera.

**alwaysthrowheat** · 02-17-2012, 01:29 PM

Originally Posted by Shelton

That a hell of a straw man you created with Konerko and Cabrera.

How is it relevant that Inge played SS 15 years ago? The point is that people grow out of positions.

**Nastradamus** · 02-17-2012, 01:44 PM

Originally Posted by alwaysthrowheat

This is dumb, because we have a decent platoon at second. He's not going to hit lefties better than Raburn. He's not a better hitter than Santiago, either. He has never played the position professionally. Please just go away. Please.

For one, he is simply competing, what can it hurt? For two, he might not hit better than Raburn, but he can hit lefties pretty well and most likely field the position better, allowing Raburn to focus on LF where he belongs, so Young can DH. Also Inge produced solidly when coming back from mono and his trip to the minors last year. No reason to think he is completely done as a player. HE's nothing great, but he has always been a reasonably good major league baseball player.

**4hzglory** · 02-17-2012, 01:55 PM

Originally Posted by alwaysthrowheat

How is it relevant that Inge played SS 15 years ago? The point is that people grow out of positions.

While I agree that we won't know if Inge can handle 2nd until he tries it, and thus they would be foolish to count on him at 2nd until they see, there is a bit of a difference between Inge's athleticism and Konerko's atheticism.

I just don't get the outrage that they are willing to have him try at 2nd and see if he can handle it. And while it is doubtful he plays in the OF at all, he did play a decent CF a couple years ago and I could see him put out there if needed. I don't know if he would be better defensively in CF than Dirks/Thomas (whichever makes the team), but he would likely be better than any other option besides Jackson. And as far as catching, If we needed to go to our emergency catcher, no matter what happened in the past, I think you would see Inge there rather than Kelly. It would be nice if he were willing to catch more and if Avila or Laird goes on the DL, he could be the backup and save a roster spot, and who knows maybe he would for playing time.

Either way, if he can't handle 2nd, IMO he should be cut as I see no reason to have Raburn at 2nd with this lineup, and thus we need someone different than him to split 2nd. Santiago and either Worth/Inge can handle 2nd and Raburn can get most of his AB's in LF while Young is the primary DH. I don't know if that is the way it will happen, but it is what I would do.

**Shelton** · 02-17-2012, 02:26 PM

My guess on how this all shakes out:

Inge proves to be an above average defender at second base, and he hits well enough in the spring to earn the starting second base job.

Raburn wins the starting left field job and leyland actually plays him out there on a regular basis, but he also gets a bit of time at second.

Delmon becomes the dh more or less, but gets some time in left also.

Thomas makes the team as the 4th outfielder and defensive replacement.

Dirks and worth begin the year in toledo so they can play every day, both being in line for quick calls up in the event of an injury to an outfielder or infielder.

If you recall, two years ago raburn started off in Toledo. I see dirks role to be similar. I don't think leyland trusts dirks yet, as evidenced by his use in the playoffs last year. Last year, there was a very good chance that boesch was going to start the year in Toledo, also. It's not a slight on dirks, but with raburn and Kelly and young, and with Thomas out of options, it is probably best for dirks to be playing every day rather than riding the pine, which I expect would be the case if he made the team.

If Inge proves completely inept this spring, then things might be different with raburn viewed as an infielder.

**Kamakzie** · 02-17-2012, 02:33 PM

If I were Santiago I'd ask for them to trade me if Inge beats him out for the 2nd base job.

**Brian** · 02-17-2012, 03:26 PM

If I had a guess and that's all it would be is that IF Inge can be added to 2b depth then Santiago would back Peralta up at SS.

**Dan Gilmore** · 02-17-2012, 04:05 PM

Originally Posted by Kamakzie

If I were Santiago I'd ask for them to trade me if Inge beats him out for the 2nd base job.

I doubt that Inge would be viewed as the full-time 2B. Santiago isn't great, but having them platoon makes sense, assuming Inge can hit more than a little facing lefties. As a Platoon, Inge would get <200 ABs at second.

Inge would be taking the 2B innings that Raburn would have gotten, not Santiago's.

**Nastradamus** · 02-17-2012, 04:30 PM

Inge starting at 2B with Santiago able to back up both 2B and SS could be an ideal situation. We don't have another player who could potentially start at 2B while allowing Santiago to take on that role(where he would get plenty of 2B starts as well). I believe Inge can hit more than Worth and field better than Raburn. With Cabrera at 3B, I don't see Raburn as a legit option at 2B anymore, not regularly. Plus we need a LF anyways and he's our best option. Santiago,Laird,Kelly,Dirks/Thomas as our bench, and often you'll have a Delmon or Raburn on the bench available as a big righty bat off the bench.

**DaYooperASBDT** · 02-17-2012, 04:39 PM

Inge and Santago at 2nd allows for my man Raibern to finally get a full time gig as our LF.
I would be down with that!

jz · 02-17-2012, 06:14 PM

I still root for Inge to do well although I must admit I've cooled to him a bit because of some of the ways he's publicly voiced his opinions. Hopefully he's spent a lot of time this offseason working on his swing.

**Antrat** · 02-17-2012, 06:58 PM

I heard that Damon wants the second base job.

**sabretooth** · 02-17-2012, 07:45 PM

Originally Posted by alwaysthrowheat

It's not a bad thing to have versatile players on your team. Kelly, Santiago, and Worth on the team add a lot of value, and add defense to an otherwise pretty poor defensive team. Inge has no experience at 2B, it's impossible to say whether or not he'll be good. Even his 3B defense has dropped off to about average, so it's hard for me to imagine he'll do well at 2B. If I had to guess, he'll be somewhere between Santiago and Raburn. Probably a bit below average. His best asset is his arm, and that will be negated at 2B.

Sure, I get it. He's already under contract. He's a fan favorite. He loves to play. That's all well and great, but I want the best 25 men on the roster, and the best 9 guys on the field. I don't feel as if Inge falls into either category.

QFT or whatever the MTS kids say.

**Titus Tiger** · 02-17-2012, 07:51 PM

Originally Posted by IdahoBert

When Inge retires and volunteers to be bench coach on his own nickel, this board will melt down.

Instead of a statue in Left Center concourse -- When Inge retires -- He will just stand out that and sign autographs

**john doe** · 02-17-2012, 08:00 PM

Originally Posted by T&P_Fan

I don't. He bleeds for the Tigers and wants nothing more than to help them. He might go about it the wrong way, but Inge is good people, you don't wish those people away.

Brandon is gamer and a guy who wants to play everyday, I won't hold that against him. I have a lot of respect for the fact that he is willing to do whatever it takes to earn his salary this year, even though, it's guaranteed. I have more respect for these kind of guys than the ones that are just interested in collecting "rockin' chair" money.

**Sports_Freak** · 02-17-2012, 08:11 PM

IMO, it's just Leyland's way to pacify Inge. He could have told him the to either make the team as a back-up 3rd baseman and 2nd baseman (IF he proves he can field there AND hit) or just get cut. It's not like he's an important part of the team, IF Cabby can play 3rd. If Cabby struggles at 3rd base, I could see Inge playing there and Cabby and Fielder splitting time between DH and 1st base.

I could see Inge being cut and the Tigers eating his contract. He better have a hot spring, even if Cabby struggles at 3rd. There are other players who could make the team and play multiple positions. The roster spot is more important than Inge's pride.

**Casimir** · 02-18-2012, 09:07 AM

Originally Posted by Sports_Freak

IMO, it's just Leyland's way to pacify Inge. He could have told him the to either make the team as a back-up 3rd baseman and 2nd baseman (IF he proves he can field there AND hit) or just get cut. It's not like he's an important part of the team, IF Cabby can play 3rd. If Cabby struggles at 3rd base, I could see Inge playing there and Cabby and Fielder splitting time between DH and 1st base.

I could see Inge being cut and the Tigers eating his contract. He better have a hot spring, even if Cabby struggles at 3rd. There are other players who could make the team and play multiple positions. The roster spot is more important than Inge's pride.

I don't see Inge's contract as a hurdle to him not going north for Opening Day. If he completely blows in camp and he is clearly not well suited for a roster spot, he'll get cut.

Also, while I think that Cabrera's redevelopment at 3B may play a bit of a factor in how the bench spots are handled (ie, Worth/Inge over another OF), I presume that the Tigers are basically going to use this season to determine whether or not Cabrera can play 3B in 2013-2014 so they have an idea if they can have the DH spot for Victor Martinez. I would think that they have enough advantages over other AL Central clubs that the division should be thiers for the taking, and the therefore have a bit of a cushion in which to carry out the experiment, at least early on in the season.

**Antrat** · 02-18-2012, 09:08 AM

I heard Mark Buehrle was available.
Let's sign him and convert him to a second baseman/pitcher.

**TigersFan81371** · 02-18-2012, 09:57 PM

Originally Posted by Casimir

Here it is.

Edit: I didn't realize baseball reference had position changes listed in the play by play notes. Pretty cool!

Cool find. Not too often we see things like that happening in a game.

**TigersFan81371** · 02-18-2012, 10:06 PM

Even though I really don't like Inge, I think I'm ok with the idea of him giving this position a shot. He knows his MLB career is on the verge of crashing and burning, and he's willing to fight for it. There's something noble in that. I think it'll turn out to be a moot point, though, because he just isn't going to be able to hit.

You know what's going to happen when he inevitably gets cut, don't you? He's going to volunteer to put on the Paws suit, just so that he can stay in the org.

**JayVee7777** · 02-18-2012, 10:27 PM

Originally Posted by Antrat

I wish Inge would open his mouth more often.
It gets the local sports guys talking baseball like crazy, instead of the Lion's mock draft for the year 2034.

AMEN!

**jake** · 02-18-2012, 10:39 PM

Let's get something perfectly straight. Inge could handle 2nd WAY better than Cabrera will handle 3rd.

**Eric Cioe** · 02-18-2012, 10:59 PM

Originally Posted by jake

Let's get something perfectly straight. Inge could handle 2nd WAY better than Cabrera will handle 3rd.

That's true.

And if he has a good year, he'll get on base half as much as Cabrera will.

**Brian** · 02-19-2012, 06:31 AM

I'm hard pressed to figure all the man crush for Inge. Maybe it's his regular guy look or the way he scraps on the field. But, truth be told he isn't that good. He wouldn't be starting for most MLB teams.

If he gets trade or more likely released does anyone think he'll get picked up and placed into a starting role somewhere eles? I don't.

**nd1377** · 02-19-2012, 11:06 AM

Originally Posted by Brian

I'm hard pressed to figure all the man crush for Inge. Maybe it's his regular guy look or the way he scraps on the field. But, truth be told he isn't that good. He wouldn't be starting for most MLB teams.

If he gets trade or more likely released does anyone think he'll get picked up and placed into a starting role somewhere eles? I don't.

I have been trying to figure it out for years and still have not found the answer. He does some charity work in Detroit so maybe that adds to the love for Inge.

**DaYooperASBDT** · 02-19-2012, 11:27 AM

Originally Posted by jake

Let's get something perfectly straight. Inge could handle 2nd WAY better than Cabrera will handle 3rd.

Yup. But will he outhit Santiago?

**Antrat** · 02-19-2012, 12:23 PM

I think Inge will have a decent season.
.250 13HR 60 RBI
If he wins an every day spot, that is.
He just looks a whole lot healthier from the photos I've seen.

**Brian** · 02-19-2012, 04:53 PM

.250 ba? For Inge? That's a bit of a reach. Not sure he can do that. But, if he has a bad spring I think he'll be waived.

**Antrat** · 02-19-2012, 05:14 PM

You're right.
.249 then.

**Eric Cioe** · 02-19-2012, 09:56 PM

Originally Posted by Antrat

You're right.
.249 then.

He's a career .235 hitter, and the best days of his career are behind him.

**alwaysthrowheat** · 02-19-2012, 10:02 PM

The problem I have with Inge playing 2B is this: at 3B, the most you're ever moving is two, maybe three steps. At 2B, you're moving 4, 5, 6 steps, and changing directions. His knees really are bad, and I just don't know what kind of pounding they can really take at this point in his career.

**Antrat** · 02-19-2012, 10:37 PM

Originally Posted by Eric Cioe

He's a career .235 hitter, and the best days of his career are behind him.

You're right.
.248 then.

**Yoda** · 02-19-2012, 10:39 PM

Originally Posted by jake

Let's get something perfectly straight. Inge could handle 2nd WAY better than Cabrera will handle 3rd.

Unfortunately offense is way more valuable than defense.

**Yoda** · 02-19-2012, 10:41 PM

Originally Posted by Antrat

I think Inge will have a decent season.
.250 13HR 60 RBI
If he wins an every day spot, that is.
He just looks a whole lot healthier from the photos I've seen.

Looks healthier? Was he sickly or fat last year that I hadn't noticed? Or did you analyze a few x-rays of his knees? How can he look healthier when he never looked visibly un-healthy?