 
Smogboy
Member
Username: Smogboy
Post Number: 7147
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 - 11:30 pm: |    |
Any DetroitYessers out there have a viable solution for the ongoing uncomfortable Brandon Inge situation with the Tigers team?
Personally I wish he'd see the bigger picture and realize he's that much closer to getting a World Series ring here than just about anywhere else. He seems like a personable fellow and I really wish that he'd accept his role as the sub. No one wants to get bumped from their role but for the amount of money he's getting AND the opportunity to step in I think is a marvelous one. The team is literally one injury away and he'd be starting again and he'd still be the late inning defensive specialist.
Anyone else out there have solutions or a sense of diplomacy to help solve this dilemma? |
Chitaku
Member
Username: Chitaku
Post Number: 1861
Registered: 03-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2008 - 3:44 am: | |
he should keep his mouth shut and remember his low .200s avg |
Kenp
Member
Username: Kenp
Post Number: 1051
Registered: 03-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2008 - 8:29 am: | |
Keep his mouth shut and play hard. I predict he will be the starting 3rd baseman by late May. The new 3rd baseman is destined to DH, Sheffield is getting old and coming off surgery. Just be patient and collect you fat contract dummy. This thing happened 10 years in a row to Tom Brookins |
D_mcc
Member
Username: D_mcc
Post Number: 269
Registered: 12-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2008 - 9:59 am: | |
Uh...I doubt Cabrera will lose his spot at third. All Star 3rd baseman...Silver Slugger like numbers...plus 20 pounds lighter...
Inge should shut up and be happy he has a job...the only other place he would start at third would be in KC. |
Smogboy
Member
Username: Smogboy
Post Number: 7153
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2008 - 10:19 am: | |
Regardless of his contract amount- would he really have any trade value to be a starting 3B anywhere in the league? No offense meant to Brandon Inge but the only other starting 3B with a lower batting average than him was Nick Punto of Minnesota. And in so many other categories, he's darn near the bottom of the heap.
But statistics aside, he's still a Gold Glove third baseman and relatively well liked amongst fans. I'm wondering if he keeps this up, is he just going to get banished to the woodshed.
Seriously where else is he going to play STARTING 3B in this league and where else is he going to come close to winning any sort of championship? If his heart is REALLY with the Tigers then, admit your disappointment and move on. Do NOT let this be a distraction to the team and to anyone else around you. |
Focusonthed
Member
Username: Focusonthed
Post Number: 1693
Registered: 02-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2008 - 10:43 am: | |
I think we should get rid of him. I love the guy, but he's not going to start, and we should be using his bench space on Raburn, who can play the same positions (minus catcher, which is a concern) and hits MUCH better. I think this will happen if Leyland has confidence in Vance Wilson's health.
If Vance Wilson is not healthy, Inge will stay, because Pudge can't catch 162 games. |
D_mcc
Member
Username: D_mcc
Post Number: 270
Registered: 12-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2008 - 10:51 am: | |
I like Raburn for the long term as well. Hes just as versatile as Inge and performs better at the plate.
I think Wilson will be healthy in time. |
Smogboy
Member
Username: Smogboy
Post Number: 7155
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2008 - 11:22 am: | |
And that's what also grates me... Pudge will not be here long term. This is conceivably Pudge's last season playing and Inge will be able to start... only as a catcher though. Quit pouting about losing your starting third base job to a MUCH much more better player than you! I'd almost be willing to have much more sympathy for him f he lost his job out to a scrub greenhorn from Toledo but if he truly has the Tigers' best interest at heart, he'd shelve some of that pride and play where the team really needs him- and it could be behind the plate for MANY more years to come. |
401don
Member
Username: 401don
Post Number: 271
Registered: 11-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2008 - 5:02 pm: | |
I am surprised he hasn't already been traded as a catcher. There's a huge dearth of catching in the league and even fewer good prospects. Time is ticking though. Inge will be 31 in May and few catchers start past 35. Although with his small frame and the fact he hasn't had 10 yrs. of wear and tear on him he could catch longer. He is far above average as a defensive catcher and if he bats .240 with 15-20 homers that would suit most teams. I understand how it may be awkward for him to stay with the Tigers. With Pudge saying he plans to play next year, Inge is this very cheap alternative waiting for Pudge's spot. Meanwhile he's overpriced as a sub. |
Ravine
Member
Username: Ravine
Post Number: 1966
Registered: 01-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2008 - 8:03 pm: | |
There are no smooth solutions for this problem. I logged some comments in the Tiger Talk 2008 thread, but none of them suggested any solution.
I will say that I am reminded of the Les Moss episode. Moss had paid his dues within the organization, and was all set to be the big-league club's manager for who knows? how long, but then George Anderson became available.
The move had nothing to do with Moss.
Shit happens. |
Detroitstar
Member
Username: Detroitstar
Post Number: 996
Registered: 01-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, March 02, 2008 - 12:22 am: | |
Word on ESPN.com today is that the LA Dodgers are interested in a certain "everyday" third baseman... |
Smogboy
Member
Username: Smogboy
Post Number: 7230
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, March 02, 2008 - 5:10 am: | |
I'm of the Hang Onto Brandon Inge mode now.
His trade value is probably at its lowest right now. Why not keep him around just on the odd chance that someone gets hurt or needs a day off. His versatility to this club is still worth something (maybe not the entire $6 million, but...). Also later on in the season if someone else's regular 3B goes down, then Inge's trade value sky rockets.
Personally I like him. I'm a fan of the guy. He's vented that he'd prefer a starting position but then so would every other player who's on the bench. So memo to the media-- stop fueling this. It's known already.
In Dombrowski we trust though. |
401don
Member
Username: 401don
Post Number: 292
Registered: 11-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, March 02, 2008 - 8:32 am: | |
One downside of keeping Inge is that Rayburn has earned a roster spot and would be the odd man out. I don't see the subs playing much either way. Who would ever be pinch hit for on this team (other than Thames/Jones for each other)? |
Ravine
Member
Username: Ravine
Post Number: 1997
Registered: 01-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, March 02, 2008 - 5:40 pm: | |
I don't really get why the Dodgers would be interested in Inge, but if they suddenly unload Garciaparra, that rumor will quickly sound more believable. |
401don
Member
Username: 401don
Post Number: 293
Registered: 11-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, March 02, 2008 - 8:54 pm: | |
Names From The Past Dept:
Chad Durbin has signed on with the Phillies.
Juan Gonzalez hits a 3-run homer in the 1st inning his first a bat in the majors in 3 yrs, off some guy named Santana no less. |
Smogboy
Member
Username: Smogboy
Post Number: 7244
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, March 02, 2008 - 11:14 pm: | |
Nomar Garciaparra's making a few bucks over $8.5 million a year compared to Inge's paltry $6 million this year. A savings of $1.5 million per year IF the Dodgers were to ditch Nomar. Until that happens I don't see it happening. Again, I'm for hanging onto Brandon Inge. He's well liked by the fans, can still play a stellar defense, and better use for our team. His stock to us is worth a lot more than it is to anyone else.. at this point. Until someone wants to hand us over something good for Brandon (or any other player for that matter), we hold onto our assets.
I don't think we need to be dealing from a weak position here. |
Lowell
Board Administrator
Username: Lowell
Post Number: 4575
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 04, 2008 - 2:54 pm: | |
I really liked Brandon Inge and think he would be the ultimate utility player if he could wrap his mind around it. So I find it disturbing that he can't.
But yesterday was the last straw when he threw a hissy fit about catching. That makes him toxic to the clubhouse and I can't wait to see him go, even if given unconditional release. How many would give the left you-know-what to sit on a big league bench as a lowly back up catcher?
He is a great glove at 3rd, but he hits like a back up catcher and strikes out way, way too much. Personally I feel he is peaked and should realize that a decent hitting back up catcher is his best chance for longevity in this game.
Don't let the door hit ya Brandon. Buh-bye. |
D_mcc
Member
Username: D_mcc
Post Number: 313
Registered: 12-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 04, 2008 - 3:10 pm: | |
I agree with Lowell...I was on his side for a bit, I liked him and liked the fact that he could play almost at almost any spot on the field...
But he seems more and more every day to be a bigger and bigger baby who just wants to get his way. You're a professional baseball player Brandon...act like it. |
Flanders_field
Member
Username: Flanders_field
Post Number: 147
Registered: 01-2008
| | Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2008 - 2:14 am: | |
Unfortunately for both Inge and the Tigers, it is now even more unlikely that any other MLB team is going to want to take on his malcontented whiny ass, especially after his recent comments to the media, as they would probably have wanted to use Brandon in the same role as the Tigers planned to do during this coming season, that being primarily as a defensive substitute bench player. |
Smogboy
Member
Username: Smogboy
Post Number: 7270
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2008 - 2:28 am: | |
If Brandon Inge is to go anywhere, I don't believe now is the time. Saddled with his salary, his value is probably at the lowest now. Give it sometime down the road and whether he fills the void left on the Tigers team due to injury or a playoff team is in desperate need of a player, I say we wait it out.
Note to the media... no need to fan the flames any more. Like I said before, there is so much more to this Tigers team than just focusing in on what Inge says. What about the rest of this amazing team?? Let's get some sound bytes from the new players, the skipper (who always has some great insight), Dombrowski, or anyone BUT Brandon Inge for once. |
D_mcc
Member
Username: D_mcc
Post Number: 328
Registered: 12-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2008 - 8:35 am: | |
Watch him go to the dodgers or some national team, and face the tigers in the World Series...only to defeat his former team with a clutch RBI single in the 7th inning.
Or...on the other hand...it could be 2 on, bottom of the 7th with Inge working a 2-2 count against Grilli...only to fight off a couple fastballs, get the count to full...then totally bite on a change-up to retire the side, and end any chance of his team winning a very important game on the road.
Oh...wait...thats what he did in nearly EVERY clutch batting situation last season...
Quit whinning and play baseball brandon... |
Defendbrooklyn
Member
Username: Defendbrooklyn
Post Number: 745
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2008 - 1:58 pm: | |
Bobby Higginson thinks Brandon is a bitch...
Brandon,
Play when leyland tells you to play...Sit down and shut the funk up!•••
I hate multi-millionair babies...Why is your current situation so bad.
We will not have a perfectly healthy season which means Brandon will and should get some playing time...That is if he is still here...
Brandon could have solved this problem last year...If he would have batted like a major leaguer none of this would be an issue.
(Message edited by defendbrooklyn on March 06, 2008) |
Flanders_field
Member
Username: Flanders_field
Post Number: 148
Registered: 01-2008
| | Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2008 - 2:15 pm: | |
So Leyland has Inge playing 3B today in a ST game vs the Braves. Inge KNOWS that the Tigers need him to fill in as backup catcher for Vance Wilson, since Vance is not going to be ready to play for at least the beginning of the regular season. He needs to get reps in practice and play in as many games as possible during ST so that he will be capable to cover the position if and when necessary.
Maybe Brandon is concerned that if he performs well at catcher, that it will influence another MLB team to acquire him in a trade, who would also want him to play that position on occasion or often as well.
His teammates and the manager and coaches are not responsible for his current predicament, and how many players in MLB history have ever stated that they wanted to be traded, BUT only to a team that will allow them to play regularly at the position that they prefer. |
D_mcc
Member
Username: D_mcc
Post Number: 336
Registered: 12-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2008 - 3:16 pm: | |
normally those that demand trades have some clout...not Brandon Inge...idiot |
Ravine
Member
Username: Ravine
Post Number: 2026
Registered: 01-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2008 - 5:40 pm: | |
Defendbrooklyn, I don't mean to nit-pick with your post, but I believe that even if Inge had matched his 2006 production in 2007, the availability of Miguel Cabrera still would have had Dombrowski reaching for the phone. |
Ravine
Member
Username: Ravine
Post Number: 2034
Registered: 01-2006
| | Posted on Friday, March 07, 2008 - 9:44 pm: | |
Andy LaRoche, who was expected to challenge Garciaparra for the 3B job in Los Angeles, will miss 8-10 weeks due to a thumb injury.
Which may not mean anything for us, BUT if the Dodgers had ideas about unloading Nomar, those ideas may have been largely based on the notion of playing LaRoche at 3B.
I still figure that L.A. is not terribly interested in picking up Inge's salary. Inge? Maybe. Inge's contract? Probably not.
Still, news of LaRoche's injury caught my eye. |
401don
Member
Username: 401don
Post Number: 312
Registered: 11-2007
| | Posted on Monday, March 10, 2008 - 1:29 pm: | |
Inge is in the line-up again today; this time in centerfield, batting second. He's hitting .300+ and really being showcased. Spring training is half over. Other teams know their needs. I'm betting he's traded by Friday. Just a hunch. |
Aiw
Member
Username: Aiw
Post Number: 6577
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 - 8:31 am: | |
I think Inge should be happy he's playing in the Big Leagues.
As for a trade? No way. Dombrowski's never going to find anyone stupid enough to pick up Inge's contract. It doesn't seem that there's a huge demand for third basemen that hit in the low .200's hit about 15 HR and drive in about 75 runs.
He should be happy to be a role player, his versatility in the field is what will keep him on a roster filled with all-stars, and a serious chance for a World Series Ring. |
Lowell
Board Administrator
Username: Lowell
Post Number: 4607
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 - 9:20 am: | |
Am I the only one hoping he will hit .500 with ten home runs in spring training?
[That way we might have a shot at getting a mid range reliever for him.  ] |