Tiger Geist

Playing catch-up on my posts is never fun, since it takes me forever to find the links I refer to.  Anyway, some somewhat belated yet surprising news, and a very surprising possible destination for an ex-Tiger, and other thoughts.

1) Miguel Cabrera — Gold Glove third baseman?

This one baffles me.  As an average third baseman (and that might be putting it mildly), you’d think that a young Miguel Cabrera could turn into a pretty good, or at least above average, first baseman.  Every Tiger fan would be thrilled with his hitting prowess combined with acceptable results in the field.  Yet, there have been two reports that Cabrera might be turning the corner into a very respectable first baseman… dare someone say, “Gold Glove Winner”?  Initially, Lynn Henning mentioned it last week, stating:

Miguel Cabrera is rapidly becoming an All-Star defender at first base.

Ok, not much to back that up, especially with Cabrera gone for the last few weeks in the WBC.  But an interview with Andres ‘Big Cat’ Galarraga yieled a similar quote:

“I think he’s going to be a Gold Glove [winner] soon,” Galarraga said. “He can be that good.”

I have mucho mucho respect for the Big Cat, and I loved watching him play here in SF for a few seasons at the end of his career.  Here’s to hoping;  a gold glove winning first baseman can also be an MVP first baseman.

2) Pudge to the Giants?

More news that the Giants aren’t exactly happy with the prospect of Pablo Sandoval and Travis Ishikawa at the corners, there are rumors that they are considering signing Ivan Rodriguez.  As a backup catcher?  Nope.  Backup utility-man.  This sounds pretty crazy to me, but I bet Pudge would do well in a limited role in the National League.  However, this could backfire quickly for the Giants:  They are still getting flack for the Barry Bonds / Balco steroid issue.  (Ex managing partner) Peter Magowan and (GM) Brian Sabean were under the gun for… pretty much everything Bonds related.  Not sure they want to deal with Pudge and his, how you say, lack of a denial about testing positive for steroids in 2003.  When asked, Pudge said “Only God Knows”.  Well, that and the Federal Government.  Oh yeah, maybe those guys who broke the whole Balco story who happen to reside in San Francisco.  When you have baseball’s version of Woodward and Bernstein in the same area code, maybe this isn’t a great time to sign Pudge.

3) Pitching

I have a theory on this.  I’ll get to that.  Let’s say I think Zach Miner’s start tomorrow will be very important to him.  And I’m quietly happy that they are being cautious with Joel Zumaya, who may not be ready for opening day.  At the moment, it seems last year’s issues (bullpen questions, starting pitching strength) has been absolutely reversed.

4) Outfield

Wilkin Ramirez had an outstanding day today, and Ryan Raburn was solid defensively.  However, if this is becoming a race between Raburn the outfielder and Brent Clevlen the outfielder, I’m not sure Raburn wins.  Once they start trimming rosters, it will be interesting to see if Raburn gets some infield work.  With Larish basically on the team, Raburn won’t be playing first or third.  Clete Thomas will have to get some innings in the outfield (either in Toledo or an extended spring training in lakeland) before he factors into the equation.  Or maybe i’m making more of this to myself because I don’t want to think about the starting pitching situation.