RSS
Inge saved his career by accepting reassignment to Toledo
Brandon Inge has enough money to last a lifetime - and those of his children. He doesn't have to play baseball anymore. Maybe it's just he genuinely loves the game.
Anyway, by accepting the Tigers reassignment to Triple-A Toledo, he is keeping his career alive. He wasn't going to land anywhere else in the major leagues if he declined re-assignment, which most players in his spot do.
What I find interesting is there are a number of fans who strongly believe Inge will return to the Tigers. There are others who are disappointed the Tigers didn't just give him his outright release.
Toledo represents the perfect compromise. He can work on finding his batting stroke there. The Tigers have a lot of money invested in Inge. It would be worth it to them to give him a second chance - one that unlikely would come from another organization.
None of it will matter, though, if he can't hit.
Anyway, by accepting the Tigers reassignment to Triple-A Toledo, he is keeping his career alive. He wasn't going to land anywhere else in the major leagues if he declined re-assignment, which most players in his spot do.
What I find interesting is there are a number of fans who strongly believe Inge will return to the Tigers. There are others who are disappointed the Tigers didn't just give him his outright release.
Toledo represents the perfect compromise. He can work on finding his batting stroke there. The Tigers have a lot of money invested in Inge. It would be worth it to them to give him a second chance - one that unlikely would come from another organization.
None of it will matter, though, if he can't hit.
Labels: Brandon Inge
posted by Pat Caputo at
4:09 AM
8 Comments:
There is no rational defense for being sad to see the Inge era end - only sentimental arguments - which equate to watching an old friend on their way to retirement when they still love their job.
I openly admit I that Wilson Betemit has been no place close to my radar screen ever - but from everything I am gathering - it sounds like 3rd is Betemit's to lose - not Inge's to win back - Inge only hit .280 in his peak of prime.
We need that bat now - more than we need diving plays behind 3rd to rob a double or dives into the stands for foul balls. But those plays at third have been my favorite plays to watch as a fan.
Ironic that Guillen returns as Inge most likely departs for good.
I know it's right. But I personally will miss Inge at 3rd. Yes - I know - I'm a slappy homer.
It is my opinion that Brandon Inge is suffering from “Short man disease” or a Napoleon complex. Deep down Brandon is very self-conscious about his size and he wants to try and prove that he can hit home runs just like the Big Boys, i.e. Miguel Cabrera. In 2006 Brandon hit 27 home runs which was a fluke and he has been chasing that number ever since.
Brandon should be or naturally, (due to his size) is a punch hitter, he should be working on getting singles, trying to hit the gaps for an extra base hit here and there. Instead Brandon lets his “Short man” mentality get in the way of his natural ability and he continually is chasing the long ball. Until Brandon can come to grips with his size and his self-conscious feelings, he will never get back to the big leagues.
believe Inge will return when rosters expand. he could help the team then as a late inning defensive replacement.
for next year, a comeback season at Inge's age seems unlikely. Pedro Feliz comes to mind as another similar type player. Good glove, some power, poor BA. last season in his mid 30s he hit .218 with a drop in power, and he's now playing indy ball.
most veteran players who do bounceback have had injury problems. if the episode of mono has compromised his season more than anyone wants to admit, he could rebound some. considering his contract and tenure, Inge will get a look next spring to see if he's got anything left.
I agree with your comments, Book. I was very extremely impatient for the Tigers to make a change. However, I was extremely impressed at Inge's humility and dignity in accepting a Toledo assignment.
Northside Res - good observation. 3B has traditionally been considered a power hitting position. With his athleticism, maybe the Tigers should have had Inge at 2B where there is less power expected. Since he was a SS in college, 2B would have been an easy switch.
I think what we are really seeing here is the inevitable decline that happens once a player hits 33-34 years old. People are so used to watching steroid baseball they forget that once upon a time, most players were done in their mid 30's. Very few play past 35. Inge was a marginal hitter and once old age set in, that was all it took to push him off the cliff.
Defensively, all the advanced metrics say Inge's play in the field had also declined significantly. He was one of the best from 2006-2009. After that, he was about league average.
I would be surprised if a stint in the minors did Inge any good. Playing this poorly, it's time to seriously consider retirement.
I don't think Inge is coming back - and if interested - here are my whole complete balanced and hopefully fair summary called "Brandon Inge - End of an Enigma".
I wrote this earlier this morning after posting my comments at the top of this page.
Sorry for the link and blatent self-promotion Book.
Guys, this is not rocket science. This happens all the time.
With the expemption of a few pitchers, professional baseball players have a life-long "DNA" whereby they hit and field as they learned when young(er).
Get older, and it goes. You just have to look at my golf driving distance these days.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home