Rayburn is, at best, the worst defensive player in the majors, and Peralta's range is limited. Inge has lost his defensive abilities, and is no better than average. Although Jackson is certainly a solid defender, our corner outfield spots are well below average. Arguably, the 2012 Tigers are the worst defensive team in MLB.

That is my problem with Dombrowski; he and his boy Leyland disregard the value of defense. Bad defense extends innings and makes good pitching look marginal. Ryan Rayburn all by himself can demoralize the team with hit less-than-little-league level outfield and infield play.

(01-25-2012 09:41 PM)brovol Wrote:  Rayburn is, at best, the worst defensive player in the majors, and Peralta's range is limited. Inge has lost his defensive abilities, and is no better than average. Although Jackson is certainly a solid defender, our corner outfield spots are well below average. Arguably, the 2012 Tigers are the worst defensive team in MLB.

That is my problem with Dombrowski; he and his boy Leyland disregard the value of defense. Bad defense extends innings and makes good pitching look marginal. Ryan Rayburn all by himself can demoralize the team with hit less-than-little-league level outfield and infield play.

So would you rather see Cabrera at 3rd and Rayburn in right? Or Inge at third and delmon young in left? (assuming boesch plays one corner OF)

For defense, it's up the middle that counts, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and the corners have to hold their own, range is overrated. Ask Casey if you don't buy what I have to say. He might have known a little about that.

Cabrera can play third, you'll be sadly disappointed. I'm happy to see you're not negative NANCY pants about just Bronco sports.

I get where you guys come from now, doom and gloomville.

It's slightly alarming that a reporter can ask Cabrera a simple question...and it turns into a position switch. Leyland hasn't endorsed it and until I see his name pencilled in at third base on opening day, I'm not buying it. That isn't being negative, that's facing reality.

Granted, he will have to play 3rd base at some point in 2012 because of interleague games and possibly the WS.

http://www.freep.com/article/20120126/SP...third-base

Apparently I'm not the only one with reservations about this move.

Point being, there is zero reason Cabrera should play 3rd this year. If VMart is healthy in 2013, and they decide to keep him, then it's an issue. Until then, this is a media created story.

Cabrera will platoon at 1st, 3rd and DH. You guys dont realize that leyland plaus his entire roster, abd the only way he can do that is by resting guys by resting Cabby and Prince with the dh role. Each of them will dh at least 30 games possibly 40. Which will allow Infe at least 30 starts at 3b

Leyland is non-committal about that deal right now. I'm sure it's going to end up being more like you described Jubba.

Now you're heard it from the Skip's mouth.

What'd he say? They have a press conference?

This is goofy. Jayson Stark is tweeting about Leyland and Fielder both saying they are confident in Cabrera playing 3rd.

If they go forward with this idea, my prediction is it doesn't last past spring training.