The Unconditional Release of Brandon Inge
Well, I’ve had a few days to mull this over…after the inevitable happened to (former) Tigers‘ third baseman and mainstay, Brandon Inge. I really don’t think any other player has had this love/hate relationship with fans as he does. Detroit faithful either love him, or call for his head on a platter. Very few seem to be in between. From a business standpoint, the Tigers organization had to do this, and with the majority of the fans leaning toward the ‘hate’ side, it was the right time. I give the Tigers credit, though, as they really gave him every chance this season to play and be effective. After going 2-20 (.100), it was apparent that he just wasn’t going to be the hitter he was during is All-Star year in 2009. In fact, he hasn’t done much since then. I also think that the Tigers are giving him a chance by releasing him. Giving him a chance to maybe catch lighting in a bottle somewhere else, and if that doesn’t happen, then he’ll be welcomed back into the organization in some capacity. I wrote a post back in February on why he’d make a fine Minor League coach, and would probably be in Toledo or West Michigan do to their proximity to Detroit, where Inge and his family live year round. That can be found here: http://burrilltalksbaseball.mlblogs.com/2012/02/12/the-future-of-brandon-inge/
Now, it looks like he’ll get his chance as a member other of the Oakland Athletics, who reportedly signed him yesterday. He’ll be patrolling third base as usual, ironically replacing former Tiger and Whitecap Scott Sizemore, who is out for the season with a torn knee ligament. If things don’t work out for him playing ‘moneyball’ on Oakland, I’m still believe that Tigers’ owner Mike Illitch will find a place for him in the organization somewhere. He’s a great owner, who is very loyal to players loyal to his teams. And Inge is the longest tenured Tiger since Alan Trammel and Lou Whitaker…
Photo courtesy of the Grand Rapids Press
Minoring In Baseball 
I was shocked at this, but you make a good point. I’ve had fun over the years widening the gap between love and hate among Tigers fans when it comes to Inge. Hard to believe those days are over now.
–Jeff
Jeff-Inge is tough, and I’m sure he’ll land on his feet one way or another. Still think he’ll be back in the Tigers organization at some point, though.
–Mike
Torii Hunter should be heeadd for the DL. That will keep him out of the game. There’s a space. I’d hope that Joe would let him in! He may not have gotten the votes, but the manager does have pull in the crunch or at least he should. Oh, and I just can’t see Joba in a Jays uniform. The fans would eat him alive in Toronto. What are the Jays doing? Even thinking of trading Halladay and Wells is stupid. I hope the Rays don’t get any ideas about trading Shields away!