Tigers manager Jim Leyland revealed recently that veteran third baseman Brandon Inge approached GM Dave Dombrowski, requesting a chance to try out at second base now that Miguel Cabrera will be returning to his natural position at third. Leyland said that he would give Inge plenty of reps at second this spring given his past defensive performance at catcher, third and outfield.
Should the move to second not pan out, Leyland said Inge was open to any spot on the 2012 squad, even if it meant the fan favorite would be inserted into the role of beloved Tigers mascot Paws.
“Paws is valuable asset to this club and I think Brandon’s defensive instincts could bring a lot to the character,” said Leyland. A reporter jokingly asked if Inge could out-hit Paws and a stone-faced Leyland replied: “I’ve seen the current Paws at a charity T-ball game and the guy has a quick bat, Brandon would have to be the Ozzie Smith of anthropomorphic mascots to warrant a permanent change at the position.”
Submitted by reader Mark P.
