Inge Still Likely To Be Traded

Tigers Manager Jim Leyland spoke to the press today, and of course the topic of Brandon Inge came up. The former third baseman/current utility man signed a four-year, $24 million extension in December of 2006, under the assumption that he'd be the team's third baseman for the duration of the contract. But a year later, the Tigers pulled in Miguel Cabrera, and Inge is out of a job.

"I think it's a strong possibility (Inge will get traded)," added Leyland, "but I want to wait for him to be here when I discuss it. That's only fair to him. But until something happens he's on the ballclub."

Inge and the Tigers would do best to wait the situation out. If a catcher or third baseman goes down in Spring Training, the Tigers will be able to extract more value for Inge, and he'll be placed into a more ideal playing situation. Surely, the Tigers aren't going to give him away for peanuts, even if another team doesn't come up with a need at the position.

I'm of the thought that Inge's best shot comes with the Tigers. There's little chance that Ivan Rodriguez returns next season, so Inge could slide into the starting catcher role after a year backing up Pudge. And he'd be far more valuable behind the plate than he would be at third base, assuming his backstop skills have not escaped him. He even has an opportunity this year to get some playing time if Pudge isn't producing.

- Joe

Comments

[SC]

Small note, Inge was extended in Dec. 2006.

[Basura]

They might have to give him away "for peanuts" because his $6m annual salary is pretty high, especially considering he's not that good of a player.

[bbgodsproductions]

I think Inge would be interesting for the Mets, assuming he is willing to become a super utility guy. He would be better than their current choices as the 25th guy, since he can play IF, OF, and C, allowing Castro to ph.

[Joe Pawlikowski]

"Small note, Inge was extended in Dec. 2006."

Typo. Sorry.

[ArodSucksAtLife]

"I think Inge would be interesting for the Mets,"

I think Inge would be interesting for every team in baseball as a super utility guy. However, thats the whole issue in the firstplace is that he doesn't want to be a bench/utility guy.

I rather him alone for 6mm than Sean Casey, Kielty, and Mirabelli for 2+ combined.

[ArodSucksAtLife]

edit: 2 million plus.

[zito4cyyoung]

Dear Sabean,

Don't F'n think about it!!

Sincerely,
Giants fans

[Ya Hote Ta]

"They might have to give him away "for peanuts" because his $6m annual salary is pretty high, especially considering he's not that good of a player."

and Carlos Silva isn't that good of a pitcher, but oh well.

Inge is worth 6 mil per.

[Brandon Gervais]

Too bad the Tiger signed Jaque Jones, it would have been interesting to see if the Tigers and Red Sox could have matched up here if Inge was willing to stay at catcher maybe they could have done a Coco Crisp for Brandon Inge trade? But with Jones set in left and Inge unlikely to stay at catcher I guess its a moot point anyway.

[Burtis]

Angels maybe? Couldn't get M Cab and need some pop at the hot corner...

[studio179]

zito, I guess you are scared Sabean is screaming trade and has itchy trade fingers.

[gogopalehose]

I don't see why Inge wont suck it up for a season at most. With Pudge and Jones leaving and Cabrera's likely going to have to move positions, and Sheffield's not getting younger and healthier... seems like an opening gig is only a year away and he can get a good 300 at bats til then.

[scribbletone]

zito4cyyoung, I wouldn't worry too bad. I think Sabean will probably reach a deal for Joe Crede in Spring Training after Crede proves his back is healthy. You'll probably have to give up Hennessey or Correia, and maybe another guy, but thats a good pickup.

And I think Inge would be fine in Detroit. He could get some 400 at bats next year between catcher, third base, a little outfield, replacing Sheff when he gets hurt, etc. Considering that he really didn't hit enough in 2007 to warrant a starting job on a World Series contender, I don't see why he should be bitching or anything.

[PNChopeful]

Bring Him to Pittsburgh Huntington.

[maximumpotential]

Joe-

nice piece on Steinbrenner's legacy.
do you also see polar-parallel between his and Clemens'? lol

[joemorgan=#1]

Poor Inge. One of the only players reamining from the crap that was the tigers. He turned out having some productive years and could still put up good enough numbers on a team with power at second instead of third.

[plh903]

They'd be happy if someone just took his contract. So, peanuts, or maybe a pile of dirt would suffice just fine.