Miguel Cabrera

[D. Bergin]

Hopefully he reaches his goals this year (hits aren't a given), and retires, or the Tigers buy him out.

What a shell of himself he's become.

First other player I thought of was Don Mattingly after the back issues, but Donnie Baseball was still winning Gold Gloves and hitting for a decent average until his retirement.

Miggy went from one of the greatest pure hitters of the modern generation, to basically a negative WAR player, for 5 years straight.

[Seven]

Originally Posted by D. Bergin

Hopefully he reaches his goals this year (hits aren't a given), and retires, or the Tigers buy him out.

What a shell of himself he's become.

First other player I thought of was Don Mattingly after the back issues, but Donnie Baseball was still winning Gold Gloves and hitting for a decent average until his retirement.

Miggy went from one of the greatest pure hitters of the modern generation, to basically a negative WAR player, for 5 years straight.

It's a shame when you see a player that was more or less destined for the Hall of Fame have his career absolutely destroyed by an Injury. Miggy put up some stellar offensive numbers to the point where both the people that buy into analytics and the traditional stat group, will look on him favorably and he will get into the Hall.

I'm pretty sure if you asked anyone after 1989 if Mattingly was going to make the Hall of Fame, the resounding answer would've probably been a "yes" He averaged at least 200 hits, 27 homers and batted to the tune of .327 during the six years leading up to the 1990 season when his back really started taking a toll on his numbers. And then five short years later, he's out of the league. Narrowly missing out on a World Series ring as well.

David Wright is another guy that I feel the same way about. Hell of a player, even though I'm a Yankees fan, I always loved watching him. Played a great third base, put up great numbers at the plate, only for him to suffer a similar fate as Donny Baseball. Once the back injuries start for these guys I feel like it's all over. Again we were robbed, of another guy that was a few seasons away from being bound for the Hall.

I get worried when I see someone like Tatis nowadays. Absolutely electric ball player, his fielding errors aside, he hustles, plays the game hard, hits the hell out of the ball. His all or nothing mentality is starting to bite him though. Reinjured his shoulder again last night, dislocated the same left shoulder that he did earlier in the season. I admire the tenacity he has, I love watching the guy play, I hope he reigns it in a bit though. I would like for him to have a long and productive career, and hopefully not have to play the "What if" game with him years down the road.

[egri]

Originally Posted by SAllen2556

I'll betcha that Kaline signed his name as much or more than any hall-of-famer, though.

Originally Posted by Shoeless Moe

"Alex, I'll take Bob Feller for $200."

Bobby Doerr as well.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by D. Bergin

Hopefully he reaches his goals this year (hits aren't a given), and retires, or the Tigers buy him out.

What a shell of himself he's become.

First other player I thought of was Don Mattingly after the back issues, but Donnie Baseball was still winning Gold Gloves and hitting for a decent average until his retirement.

Miggy went from one of the greatest pure hitters of the modern generation, to basically a negative WAR player, for 5 years straight.

Pujols comes to mind.

[insidethewrapper]

When Miguel does reach the 500 hr/3000 hit club, he will be only the 7th player in the history of the game to attain this feat. If anyone enjoys the game more than he does I'd like to know who it is ? He is a team player and walked again twice yesterday instead of swinging at anything just to try to get a hit.

I sure wish he didn't have all the injuries the last few years which will keep many of his numbers lower. I thought 2000+ RBI's were in reach until the injuries. He is still playing most days but not at 100%.

[Peter_Spaeth]

…

[Seven]

Originally Posted by insidethewrapper

When Miguel does reach the 500 hr/3000 hit club, he will be only the 7th player in the history of the game to attain this feat. If anyone enjoys the game more than he does I'd like to know who it is ? He is a team player and walked again twice yesterday instead of swinging at anything just to try to get a hit.

I sure wish he didn't have all the injuries the last few years which will keep many of his numbers lower. I thought 2000+ RBI's were in reach until the injuries. He is still playing most days but not at 100%.

I'm trying to think off the top of my head who the others are.


Aaron
Mays
Rodriguez
Murray

Drawing blanks on the others.

[clydepepper]

Originally Posted by Seven

I'm trying to think off the top of my head who the others are.


Aaron
Mays
Rodriguez
Murray

Drawing blanks on the others.

there is that viagra guy.


.

[mr2686]

Don't forget Pujols.

[profholt82]

I don't know, guys, I realize that he ain't what he used to be, what with the amount of injuries the last few years and the fact that he's up there in years now, but he still has some great moments, and he still loves the game. He's always having fun out there. I wish Ilitch hadn't signed him to such a ridiculous backloaded deal, but it is what it is.

As far as the fans not warming up to him, that's crazy talk. Yeah, his English isn't very good, but he frequently interacts with fans during games. I've seen him high five guys in the front row numerous times, give balls and even a bat to kids in the crowd. And at first base, he's always goofing with the base runners. He's genuinely a fun loving kind of guy. I'm honestly surprised to see someone post that here. Just search his name on youtube, and most of the videos are of him having fun with the crowd and other players.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Seven

I'm trying to think off the top of my head who the others are.


Aaron
Mays
Rodriguez
Murray

Drawing blanks on the others.

Palmeiro

[clydepepper]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Palmeiro

I already mentioned him.


Miggie got #498 tonight.



.

[Mike D.]

Every rebuilding team should have an aging superstar who’s past his prime but piling up milestones. Gives the fans another reason to show up.

As long as players play for below market value the 1st six years of their careers, I can’t hold any bad will towards those that “hang on” to finish up big contracts (that teams freely give out).