A star who is not done rising
Cabrera is changing leagues, but even though he’ll be facing many pitchers he’s not familiar with, expect him to produce offensively on a par with what he did in his time with the Marlins. A real positive sign is that he showed up for spring training in much better condition than he played in last season when he was weight challenged.

As he adjusts to a new league, Cabrera will be helped in a way he wasn’t in Florida. His production will be aided by the outstanding offensive players surrounding him in the lineup. Even Ted Williams benefitted from having potent bats offering him protection. Cabrera will be pitched to more than he was with the Marlins so it would be of no surprise if he delivered 30-plus homers and 100-plus RBIs.

At just 24, Cabrera is still coming into his own as a hitter and that’s an awfully scary thought. He has tremendous baseball instincts -- a gift admired by all, even those who thought he could have played harder while in Florida. Combine those baseball instincts with his great pure tools and it’s no wonder he is able to hit for both power and average. For Cabrera there’s still untapped potential.

Super-utility man super important
The arrival of Cabrera in Detroit meant Brandon Inge lost his job at third base, one he had since 2005. He is not happy about it. He’s upset and he has gone on record about not liking the idea of not playing every day. He also wouldn’t mind a change of scenery, but the Tigers should stay away from pulling the trigger on any deal that involves Inge.

To win a division, a pennant and a World Series a team needs more than just a star-studded lineup. It needs solid pitching – both out of the rotation and out of the bullpen – dependable defense, and also versatile players who can come off the bench and make key contributions, especially when injuries or fatigue come into play with the starting nine. That’s why Inge is so valuable to Detroit, and why he should not be traded this season.

Inge is a guy who could play any position. He could be used to fill in at the middle infield spots, could play in centerfield against a southpaw starter, and could even see some time at catcher, especially if Rodriguez’s backup, Vance Wilson, proves not to be ready to start the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. The Tigers’ big bats will go a long way to deciding their fortunes this season, but Inge could play a pivotal part as well.

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