Opinions on Miguel Cabrera following his recent DUI arrest have varied widely. The media and fans have spun the situation as anything from a “boys will be boys” story to “take the season off for rehab.”
We all know that alcoholism isn’t something to laugh about and should be handled very delicately. What we don’t know is the extent that alcohol has had a grasp on Miguel Cabrera.
Cabrera is set to be evaluated by league doctors early this week in order to have a clearer understanding of how to proceed. Dave Dombrowski has relayed that this was the first time Cabrera “fell off the wagon” since his well-publicized encounter with the law in 2009.
Let me start off by saying I cannot think of a situation where I would do anything with Cabrera except help him through any problems he has. I also think it’s very unlikely that the team would consider trying to move Cabrera, but the topic has been brought up.
Miguel Cabrera is often considered the second best hitter in baseball behind Albert Pujols. He is also more than three years younger than Pujols. He’s the type of hitter that comes around a couple times in a decade. The Tigers recognize this despite his troubles.
That being said, if something happened that forced the Tigers to move Cabrera, I see several attractive landing spots. I don’t buy into the theory that Cabrera’s value has diminished much because of his problems. As opposed to drugs and steroids, alcohol seems to have been a part of the game, and several Hall of Famers were known to have an issue.
I’m not saying it’s right. I’m just saying it’s the truth. I think any team would take a chance on the best hitter in the game under 28.
Here are my 10 possible landing spots for Cabrera should the Tigers move him.