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On Miguel Cabrera...
Miguel Cabrera’s statement he hasn’t consumed alcohol since that fateful night-turned-early-morning in Birmingham is about as welcome as it gets for the Tigers.
It has been their biggest underlying issue - and not just since the incident, but before the issue was known publicly.
Cabrera is an incredible talent, but it doesn’t mean much if it is blurred by this issue.
His statistics look great, but it’s difficult to find moments when the Tigers really needed him last season that Cabrera was there with key hits. Same in 2008. He did comeback after a slow start - but it was after the Tigers had fallen from legitimate contention. He has not been the run producer he is capable of being given his gifts as a hitter. Many of his statistics have been hallow. A myth of Sabermetrics.
And that’s before you get to the issue in regard to having your best player be your best leader - which obviously wasn’t the case under these circumstances.
It’s not that Cabrera doesn’t work at it. He does. It’s not that he is this sinister character nobody likes. Sometimes, he acts immature in the clubhouse, but that’s been more like acting his age. But he is older now, been around for awhile and seemingly confronted the major problem that was holding him back from rivaling Albert Pujols as the best hitter in baseball.
It’s a day-by-day challenge. But if Cabrera holds to this, he is capable of carrying the Tigers.
It has been their biggest underlying issue - and not just since the incident, but before the issue was known publicly.
Cabrera is an incredible talent, but it doesn’t mean much if it is blurred by this issue.
His statistics look great, but it’s difficult to find moments when the Tigers really needed him last season that Cabrera was there with key hits. Same in 2008. He did comeback after a slow start - but it was after the Tigers had fallen from legitimate contention. He has not been the run producer he is capable of being given his gifts as a hitter. Many of his statistics have been hallow. A myth of Sabermetrics.
And that’s before you get to the issue in regard to having your best player be your best leader - which obviously wasn’t the case under these circumstances.
It’s not that Cabrera doesn’t work at it. He does. It’s not that he is this sinister character nobody likes. Sometimes, he acts immature in the clubhouse, but that’s been more like acting his age. But he is older now, been around for awhile and seemingly confronted the major problem that was holding him back from rivaling Albert Pujols as the best hitter in baseball.
It’s a day-by-day challenge. But if Cabrera holds to this, he is capable of carrying the Tigers.
Labels: Miguel Cabrera Albert Pujols
posted by Pat Caputo at
2:28 PM
6 Comments:
As I said before, I believe Cabrera is just young and immature and can beat this alcohol problem.
The big question is whether he can beat this "focus under pressure" problem.
He's obviously what is called a "big-view" thinker but is an extremely talented hitter.
There's all kind of talk in sports play about those that choke or others that are able to focus and perform under pressure.
I don't know if that can be learned or changed?
Obviously Leyland recognized it but couldn't change it (get him to focus under pressure) last year.
Don't know, this is a tough one.
It's good that Cabrera is getting help - and I personally wish him only the best in what is likely the biggest challenge of his life.
But actions will louder than words this season - I mean no more controversy, and I mean a step up in clutch situation performance.
Now here is a point I have wanted to make from the time of that fateful Satuday game two days before the end of the season.
Cabrera was out with the ChiSox players that night - managed of course by Ozzie. Ozzie was also the Manager of the WBC Venzuala squad. Ozzie must have known about Cabrera's weakness. And it smells a lot like he took advantage of the opportunity at Miggy's expense.
Which is why Ozzie being a part of World Series coverage on TV made me quite ill.
That's how it smelled to me.
I hope you're sincere Miggy, I will certainly give you the support as a fan - if you're sincere.
Anonymnous,
That's true to a degree. Some people are just clutch performers, others not. Can't help but to believe, though, that if he cleans up his act in this regard, it will only improve Cabrera's performance in all ways.
Caputo
Fred Brill,
Sincerity is the key issue here, Fred. I mean, it will be more difficult once the road trips begin and it's back to the baseball lifestyle.
Caputo
Pat,
this is a little off topic but I noticed the royals signed Rick Ankiel to a 1 year deal. Do you think he would have been a nice addition to act as an insurance policy for the tigers to play CF? He is a great athlete, with a strong arm and his swing seems like he could have taken advantage of all the real estate in the gaps of comerica, and he is relatively cheap. I think he would bring more to the table than a johnny damon (I know he is not coming here) at a cheaper price and a younger age, and he would add a left handed bat. Maybe I'm wrong but it just seemed like that would have been a nice under the rated type addition. I think the guy is a ballplayer.
lil rob
Lil rob,
No question Ainkiel would fit the Tigers' needs, even as corner outfielder.
Caputo
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