Tigers Cabrera, Guillen switch positions -- for good

bobrob2004 wrote:

The new Cabrera-Guillen alignment will make its debut today, Leyland said.

Maybe not. Tomorrow maybe?

catbox_9 wrote:

bobrob2004 wrote:

The new Cabrera-Guillen alignment will make its debut today, Leyland said.

Maybe not. Tomorrow maybe?

I think that this is just a big tease. Inge got his average all the way down to .240s, so Leyland just wants to piss him off so he will start to hit again. It worked when Cabrera took his job away...

Only if that swelling in his knee comes down! Poor guy is his own worst enemy. He needs shields down the complete leg!

bobrob2004 wrote:

catbox_9 wrote:

bobrob2004 wrote:

The new Cabrera-Guillen alignment will make its debut today, Leyland said.

Maybe not. Tomorrow maybe?

I think that this is just a big tease. Inge got his average all the way down to .240s, so Leyland just wants to piss him off so he will start to hit again. It worked when Cabrera took his job away...

True, when Inge is pissed off, he hits a lot better!

and you think women are bad!

laprimamirala wrote:

and you think women are bad!

I always liked Secret Storm, even though I was barely old enough to follow the story line!

So, when will this big switcheroo actually take place?

I think last night was the first time...?

laprimamirala wrote:

I think last night was the first time...?

Los did not play yesterday due to that swollen knee.

that's right. Miggy was at first though. Poor 'Los!

laprimamirala wrote:

and you think women are bad!

ummmm.....I'm not TOUCHING that one.

tigersaint wrote:

laprimamirala wrote:

and you think women are bad!

ummmm.....I'm not TOUCHING that one.

you are wise!

05/06/2008 7:39 PM ET
Tigers' Cabrera looking good at first
Manager Leyland confident in slugger's ability in new role
By Jason Beck / MLB.com

DETROIT -- Tigers manager Jim Leyland believes Miguel Cabrera can be an excellent first baseman. And he's going to personally see to it that he gets the work that gives him a chance.

While the mid-afternoon sun drenched Comerica Park on Tuesday, Cabrera was working with infield coach Rafael Belliard on taking throws at first base. Leyland was watching. A day earlier, when Leyland was busy with lineup changes and transactions, it was third-base coach Gene Lamont watching Cabrera work.

It's not a method of punishment. To Leyland, it's a way to emphasize the point on how important they regard his work at first.

"That is his position," Leyland said. "There is no doubt in the history of baseball that is his position. And he should be outstanding."

While Carlos Guillen has four errors in eight games at third base since moving over from first, Cabrera has seemingly handled his move across the infield better. He looked more comfortable handling throws on Monday compared with games past, Leyland said, and he has generally put himself in position to make plays. He has yet to be charged with an error in 18 games at first, for what that's worth.

While Leyland admits he doesn't know whether Gary Sheffield's move to left will work out, he says he has no such question in his mind about the Guillen-Cabrera switch. Between Cabrera's soft hands, his size as a throwing target and his history as an infielder, Cabrera should naturally be a first baseman. But it's going to take some work to get him accustomed to handling the position, especially from a footwork standpoint.

Cabrera's early workouts with Belliard will continue for most of the week. Leyland plans on watching it as much as he can.

"I know that the Guillen-Cabrera thing is going to work out," Leyland said. "Guillen at third and Cabrera at first is the best thing for this team."

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.