Brandon Inge has become an epicenter for controversy. How can he be playing when his production is so limited?
Here's some thoughts on Inge's current status with the Tigers:
- Multiple-year contract or not, the Tigers simply can't afford to play Inge regularly if he remains on pace to hit .184 with two home runs and 30 RBI. At 34, with knee issues from the recent past, he is no longer a viable catcher or outfielder - or utility player in any way. If Inge is out of the lineup at third base, with a division race very much at stake, the Tigers must make a decision to keep him or cut their losses and release him. His roster spot is too valuable to waste under the circumstances.
- Donald Kelly can play third base occasionally and be reasonably effective, but it would be a recipe for disaster to place him there every day. He is a 25th man on the roster - at best - not a regular third baseman. Miguel Cabrera played poorly there in 2008 - and that was many pounds gained ago. Carlos Guillen was equally as bad there in 2008. Ryan Raburn at third base? Come on. Third base prospect Francisco Martinez has made a ton of errors at Double-A Erie - a sign the 20-year-old isn't ready of the major leagues. If Inge goes, the Tigers must deal for a player who can play third base at least part time in rotation with Kelly.
- The Tigers have a couple weeks, if that, to make a decision on whether Inge (and Guillen, for that matter) can still play effectively. If the answer is "No," they'd be wise to make moves sooner instead of later. It's obvious jobs are at stake here, both in the front office and the dugout, not to mention the trust of a fanbase that has grown weary of being led on only to be let down.
There are possibilities for deals to fill the hole at third, but they seem limited to players who can play third base, but it's not their best position - Jeff Baker (Cubs), Greg Dobbs (Marlins) and Omar Infante (Marlins). Casey Blake (Dodgers) would have been ideal for the Tigers, but he has had many injury issues this season, particularly a neck ailment, which currently has him on the disabled list. Aaron Miles (Dodgers) might also fit. Problem with the Dodgers is they are baseball's version of the Pistons' last season - in flux and not necessarily in position to deal.
Aramis Ramirez (Cubs) is a longshot. He has said a couple times he wouldn't waive the no-trade clause in his contract. The Cubs have a $15 million option on his contract for next season - with a $2 million buyout.
- I do think some of the venom recently released by Tigers' fans at Inge is misguided. He is not arrogant, which I've heard recently. I've heard fans question his hustle. He does play hard. I've heard people question whether he is a team player. In the past, the Tigers have kicked him around from position to position. Phil Garner made him change his whole hitting style when he arrived to the major leagues as the Tigers' top prospect, which set him back several years and hindered his ultimate development. It's led Inge to have this notion that if he doesn't believe in himself, nobody else will. So he speaks his mind sometimes in that manner.
In this case, fans are so disgusted with Inge's performance on the field they are equating it to him a person and assaulting his character. To me, that's not the issue. It's whether he can be an effective player anymore. And that is very much in question at this stage.
He can't afford not to hit right out of the All Star break and still expect to be on the club, let alone in the lineup. It could make these upcoming games some of the most important of Brandon Inge's career.