With Jones out, does Inge now have a role?

May 5, 2008   ·   Paul Raymond   ·   Jump to comments

The Detroit Tigers decided to designate left fielder Jacque Jones for assignment, effectively ending his time with the team, even with the $3 million still owed to him this season. To replace Jones on the roster, minor league outfielder Matt Joyce was called up from AAA-Toledo. According to manager, Jim Leyland, Joyce will spend time in both left and right. So where does, undefined position, Brandon Inge stand with the team?

There were rumors just a few weeks ago, that Brandon Inge was not happy at all when the Tigers moved Miguel Cabrera to first, and Guillen to third. Can’t blame him, his natural position is third base, but with Gary Sheffield at DH, a move of that sort was just not possible. Cabrera and Guillen’s bats are also much more valuable to the team, Cabrera would also be an even bigger liability playing left in their spacious ballpark.

Well if that upset him, I wonder how infuriated with this move he is. The Tigers have announced Gary Sheffield will be replacing Jones as the starting left fielder. The same Sheffield who hasn’t played in the outfield since July 21st, the same Sheffield who has had serious shoulder issues this season and even contemplated retirement. Sheffield’s already had two cortisone shots in the arm, and that was with him being solely a DH, now he’s got to throw the ball a couple times a game? When not in left, you could expect Marcus Thames and Matt Joyce to get some time in left. A position, the Tigers originally thought of putting Inge this season.

So basically, Cabrera is to fat and slow to play left, but Sheffield with a dead arm can play out there, even thou he probably won’t be able to gun anyone down. If they really want Sheff in left, why not send Miggy to DH, Guillen back to first, and let Inge play third base? It would actually give the Tigers the best lineup possible.

So it begs to ask, does Inge have a role with this team? Does, Jim Leyland even want him here?

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