The Detroit Tigers, as nearly everyone knows by now, were on the wrong end of one of the most exciting baseball games in years. But losing to the Minnesota Twins in a playoff play-in game was just the culmination of what had been a horrific September/October collapse.
But if the problems on the field—untimely pitching mistakes, lifeless bats—weren't enough, their star first baseman was always there to create more off of it.
It isn't a stretch to call Miguel Cabrera's drinking binge/fight/intoxication at the end of the season a staggeringly stupid series of decisions. After all, Detroit was in the midst of trying to cling to its slim division lead in the face of the hard-charging Twins.
But instead of being able to focus on the baseball matters at hand, players and management were forced to answer questions about this.
But now, it appears that Cabrera has learned his lesson. And really, it couldn't come at a better time for the Tigers, eager to move forward from the debacle of late 2009.
Changes have been made, among them the recent signing of free agent outfielder Johnny Damon, who probably still has something left in the tank—and the bat—to give to the club. Curtis Granderson, a staple in the Tigers outfield, swiftly departed to greener pastures in New York.
Detroit will be breaking in a new second baseman: rookie Scott Sizemore. But perhaps the greatest change is coming from the previously beleaguered Cabrera, who it appears has become more comfortable with himself—and more responsible. And all it took was a little talking.
Well, thank God for him being more open with the media. I would have thought that resolving his issues with alcohol—he says he hasn't touched the stuff since the incident last season—and his family were most important. But it's a long and tough road to travel, that bumpy path to redemption.
Reviving—reconstructing might be a better word—his public image may be a difficult task, but at least it appears that Cabrera is taking steps in the right direction.
Of course, Cabrera is most comfortable in the batter's box. It is often befuddling how this player does not gain more recognition for his supreme offensive talents. Perhaps his infamous exploits temper the enthusiasm a bit, but there is no denying that he is something special—at least on the field.
After all, he has posted batting averages over .300 in four of his six full seasons. Oh, by the way, the guy has 209 career home runs. Now at first, his defensive deficiencies aren't as amplified, either.
If this is the new Cabrera, then Detroit has a lot to look forward to in 2010. After all, Justin Verlander had a spectacular season in 2009 and should do the same this season. The back end of the rotation has some question marks, but they have a chance to redeem themselves with a postseason appearance.
The AL Central appears to be a three-team race, so it's there for the Tigers to grab if they can seize the opportunity this time around.
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