Tigers Look to Inge at Second Base: Fan Reaction

The turbulent saga of Detroit Tigers' third baseman Brandon Inge took another intriguing turn, on February 16, as the organization announced, as reported by Tigers' beat writer Jason Beck, that Inge would be given an opportunity to secure the role of starting second baseman, in a competition against Ryan Raburn.

Heading into this current offseason, it was believed that manager Jim Leyland was content running with a platoon of Raburn and Ramon Santiago at second. However, with the blockbuster acquisition of Prince Fielder, and the subsequent move of Miguel Cabrera to third base, Inge's days as a Tiger seemed all but numbered. Growing concern, however, about the lack of defense shown by Raburn, has led the organization to consider Inge as a viable prospect in the middle-infield.

Unfortunately, the real question will be on Inge's ever-diminishing offensive numbers. While his defensive presence would be a welcomed addition at second, his lineup spot could be better utilized on the offensive side of things with another, more valuable batter. Though some will argue the addition of Fielder more than suffices for Inge's miniscule .197 batting average in the later holes, it remains to be seen if Inge can rebound and post any offensive respectability.

Examining the current roster, the only feasibility of this, that I can see, is if Inge should win out, it would be assumed that Santiago would remain as a backup to Jhonny Peralta at shortstop, though I am one of the many who feel his production and performance warrant at least a shot at the starting nod. Raburn, likewise, would be better served in an outfield platoon with Andy Dirks, which could move Delmon Young to the designated hitter role, should he avoid becoming fodder for an early-season trade.

What the situation boils down to is that Inge, a proven defensive player who has begun to see a production decline on both sides of the ball, would be a far better defensive option at second base. However, he would have to find a way to get his bat moving to make the switch worthwhile. It is that simple.

The author, D. Benjamin Satkowiak, is a successful entrepreneur and published, freelance author, who has tailored works on various sports, health and fitness topics. He currently serves as a Yahoo! Contributor Network "Featured Contributor" and writes on the Detroit Tigers , Detroit Lions, Great Lakes Loons and Notre Dame football.

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