opinion of Brandon Inge [Archive]

OldEnglishD

10-23-2005, 03:53 AM

Hey Ram.

I personally love Inge. I wish he wasn't our starting 3B, as I'd prefer to see a big bat at the hot corner.

Ideally I'd like to see Inge be a super sub. He can play nearly any position (and would be the #1 backup at each spot), so would get plenty of at bats in that role. If MLB had an award like the NBAs 6th Man Award, I think Brandon would be an annual recipient. Unfortuneately, I don't think he'd accept this - and demands to be a "starter".

Almost as much as I'd like to see him in the sub role, I'd like to see him get back behind the plate. I know Pudge is there right now, but when he's gone (soon) Brandon would be great there as well. He'd be one of the better hitting catchers, and has a cannon. I'm just not sure he'd be able to step back into the catcher position after being away for several years. I also do have some reservations about how he'd call games.

So, in my perfect world ....

Inge is MLBs best sub for the next few years, spending time spelling nearly every position, in the cage & alot of time working with Pudge learning as much as possible about catching and calling games. When Pudges' contract is up, Inge will have logged recent catching innings and would be ready to step up full time there. I think in the long haul, this scenario would be advantageous for both the Tigers and Inge.

RottenGazebo

10-23-2005, 10:02 AM

Put him at shortstop. He is a great fielder and since Guillen has knee trouble he would be able to play 3rd easier than short.

Paulmcall

10-23-2005, 03:29 PM

He kind of reminds me of a Tommy Brookens in that he's a good guy and can field but his hitting is never quite good enough. He seemed to get get tired and his average really took a dive as the season wore on.
Brandon is ok but not a game breaker. He does strike out a lot too.

2Chance

10-24-2005, 01:20 PM

I like the guy. I like anybody you can call a 'gamer.'

He is a hard worker, tough, and has shown a willingness to do anything and play anywhere to stay on the roster. He seems proud to wear the Old English D. Tiger management should never let him go, unless he reads this post and demands a big raise.

On the flip side, he is probably not the best at any position but has shown himself to be better than average wherever he played. (That may not sound like a big compliment, but I would say the same thing about Pete Rose.)

You probably remember that he came up as a catcher, but that is not his natural position. He learned to catch in order to make the bigs. I don't remember exactly, but think he was an outfielder up to that point.

Third base is his until one of our "potential" guys actually lives up to it. Then he can have another position.

RamMan12

10-24-2005, 02:10 PM

I'm glad to see all the responses to my post. I'm glad that I'm not the only one who thinks he's that good. Keep posting!

NShlain

10-26-2005, 02:36 PM

Inge is a very valuable player. How about this:

Trade Pudge for an Ace or closer
Move Inge to C
Guillen to third
Sign SS Furcal as a real leadoff man

RamMan12

10-26-2005, 03:51 PM

Awesome suggestion! I just said in another post to get a good pitcher and because I like Inge, I kind of hate Pudge right now. When he leaves, I'll like him again. Furcal would be a great signing.

Paulmcall

10-26-2005, 06:56 PM

No one will take Pudge with his contract.

OldEnglishD

10-27-2005, 05:23 AM

Inge is a very valuable player. How about this:

Trade Pudge for an Ace or closer
Move Inge to C
Guillen to third
Sign SS Furcal as a real leadoff man

This would be every Tiger fans dream !! But ....

No one will take Pudge with his contract.

Unfortuneately Paulmcall is dead-on right with this post !

RamMan12

10-27-2005, 12:48 PM

Trade Pudge to the Yankees. That'll help the problem. LOL

RottenGazebo

10-28-2005, 11:12 AM

Trade Pudge to the Indians for C.C. Sabathia and Victor Martinez.

RottenGazebo

10-28-2005, 11:14 AM

Inge is a very valuable player. How about this:

Trade Pudge for an Ace or closer
Move Inge to C
Guillen to third
Sign SS Furcal as a real leadoff man Nah, use Granderson as lead-off.

NShlain

10-28-2005, 03:41 PM

Teams that would take Pudges Contract + Need a catcher:
Dodgers
Mets
Cubs
Just off the top of my head.

TigersFanB406

09-25-2006, 09:25 AM

tigers527

09-25-2006, 08:15 PM

I think Inge is fine where he is....He has shown me enough to leave him at the hot corner for at least a few more years. He has one of the more patient eyes of the Tigers (not saying much), and if he can stay between the .250-.260 BA range, with the pop he does provide, I am not sure what everyone is complaining about. The days of the huge bat on the hot corner, have mostly gone the way of Dean Palmer, yes there are a few "stud" 3rd sackers. But these days, the premium seems to be on guys that can pick it. And, keep in mind Inge has an good shot of setting the single season assist record for Tiger 3Bmen (has 375 now, needs 389 I think to beat the orginal A Rod). The offense of MLB teams has been spread more throughout the line up (see all the SS that produce) these days.

Thoughts to some of the posters, on this thread......I fear the day, Guillen should for whatever reason be the starting 3Bman, YOU FOLKS DON'T THINK GUILLEN MAKES ENOUGH THROWING ERRORS?!?!?!?!?!!!!!!!! Guillens' next move should be to 1B sooner rather than later.

EvanAparra

09-25-2006, 08:16 PM

Like him.

He's a better 3B man than ARod. Too bad people go only by the bat though, and because of that, they'll think ARod is the better 3B man.

Inge has what, 26 homeruns now? I'd say he has the ability to hit.

Huh? A-Rod is the better 3rd Baseman....

Inge is having a great season, but lets not get out of hand.

tigers527

09-25-2006, 08:22 PM

Huh? A-Rod is the better 3rd Baseman....

Inge is having a great season, but lets not get out of hand.

I believe they were speaking of, THE PLAYING OF 3B, not the offensive side of things. Since there are few people "picking" it like Inge (not impossible for the lil' fellow to end up with 400 assits). We all know the handful of names, Crede, Chavez, ect., and even the biggest Yank honk would have to say this year A Rod is not amoung them.

BTW has 400 assists happened from a 3rd baseman before??? I know the Tigers record is 389ish.

EvanAparra

09-25-2006, 08:30 PM

I believe they were speaking of, THE PLAYING OF 3B, not the offensive side of things. Since there are few people "picking" it like Inge (not impossible for the lil' fellow to end up with 400 assits). We all know the handful of names, Crede, Chavez, ect., and even the biggest Yank honk would have to say this year A Rod is not amoung them.

BTW has 400 assists happened from a 3rd baseman before??? I know the Tigers record is 389ish.

He also commented on Inge's HR, so i didnt take it as a defensive comparison.

Crede, Chavez, Inge, and Lowell are all having great seasons at 3B. Inge has become a top tier defensive 3Bman. He needs to improve his batting greatly, however. Slugging isnt bad, but his average and OBP are horrendous.(although both above his career average). I think a lot of this can be solved if he changed that bad K/BB ratio of his. If he becomes better in that facet, he could become a top tier 3rd baseman all around.

I dont know about the assists record. But he also had 378 last year.:clapping

tigers527

09-25-2006, 08:40 PM

He also commented on Inge's HR, so i didnt take it as a defensive comparison.

Yeah, I noticed that after, I posted.....That is a strech Mr Fantastic would be envious of...Thinking Inge is the better overall 3Bman then A Rod (maybe he was speaking of Aurelio Rodriguez?)

EvanAparra

09-25-2006, 08:55 PM

Yeah, I noticed that after, I posted.....That is a strech Mr Fantastic would be envious of...Thinking Inge is the better overall 3Bman then A Rod (maybe he was speaking of Aurelio Rodriguez?)

1970s Aurelio Rodriguez?.....havent heard that name in a while

tigers527

09-25-2006, 09:06 PM

1970s Aurelio Rodriguez?.....havent heard that name in a while

Yup, that's the one...not a horrid 3Bman in his own right...Great D not much of a stick though...to my memory. Time to check my memory...lifetime .237 avg...with a high of .265....high of like 60 RBI...Hey EVERYONE!!! My memory works.

TigersFanB406

09-26-2006, 07:16 AM

He also commented on Inge's HR, so i didnt take it as a defensive comparison.

Crede, Chavez, Inge, and Lowell are all having great seasons at 3B. Inge has become a top tier defensive 3Bman. He needs to improve his batting greatly, however. Slugging isnt bad, but his average and OBP are horrendous.(although both above his career average). I think a lot of this can be solved if he changed that bad K/BB ratio of his. If he becomes better in that facet, he could become a top tier 3rd baseman all around.

I dont know about the assists record. But he also had 378 last year.:clapping

He was right Evan. I was talking about those actually playing 3B and I believe Inge is better than ARod there. The reason I mentioned Inge's HRs was as an aside really. Someone had said they wished he would hit more so I pointed out his HR's. That's all.

Jackal5150

09-27-2006, 06:18 AM

I don't think there is a Tiger on that team who I have more respect for than Brandon Inge. Mainly because of all he went through with this organization. I remember the days when he was a great fielding catcher who couldn't hit a lick and on the verge of being traded because they just aquired Pudge and they had no position for him except as a fourth outfielder.

To go from that to becoming what he is today is pretty awesome. Changing positions to Third base {and fielding it like an All Star, I might add} and becoming a decent power hitter to boot. He just keeps getting better year after year.

You also have to feel happy for the guy now considering he played on all those recent crappy teams and never complained about it.

malt-tones

09-27-2006, 08:37 AM

If Mr. Charles Brandon Inge can keep on ameliorating his play from season to season, he could be a potential All Star third baseperson. I have an affinity for any Tiger that went through that dreaded 2003 season; talk about learning humility. I believe that is why we are not hearing any Tigers talking "smack" about being (arguably) the best team in Baseball, at least record wise (for now). 2003 is still so close, with any luck, 2006 should help to erase the embarrassment and humiliation.

Anyhow, back to Charles, I would like to see his K/BB ratio improve, as mentioned in a previous post; however, if he can keep the HRs in the 25-30 range, I could live with an AVG of .250 or so. We did it with Lance Parrish for years, the king of the double play. Hopefully Charles will not reach the Mendoza Line any time soon, which he did in '01, '02, '03.

And, of course, I would like to see his errors lessened. His strong throwing arm compensates for many misplayed balls, or his FLD% would even be lower.
As long as ARod is at third with George’s team, I think he will be a lock for the starting AL All-Star third baseperson, his reputation precedes him, at least this year, although things always change.....just ask DY.

TigersFanB406

09-27-2006, 11:42 AM

Fully agree with you here Jackal. I have much respect for any of those guys who went through that season.

flea45

09-27-2006, 07:11 PM

Trade Pudge to the Indians for C.C. Sabathia and Victor Martinez.

:grouchy LOL i hope not!!!!!!!

Utility07

09-27-2006, 07:28 PM

You should go visit the ESPN message boards, they think Inge=HoF on the tigers board.

Ilovesilly

10-27-2006, 12:13 AM

:gt

I really like Brandon Inge also, and I really think he's been getting better and better. I'd like to see him with the Tigers for a long time.

Captain Cold Nose

10-27-2006, 05:12 AM

You should go visit the ESPN message boards, they think Inge=HoF on the tigers board.
I think you can see the differences between boards.:laugh

I'm Keith Hernandez

10-27-2006, 09:32 PM

Hate to say it, but if the opportunity presents itself, he must be upgraded. When it really mattered, he choked.

EvanAparra

10-27-2006, 09:33 PM

Hate to say it, but if the opportunity presents itself, he must be upgraded. When it really mattered, he choked.
Every game really matters.

I'm Keith Hernandez

10-27-2006, 09:52 PM

Every game really matters.

Do we not understand the difference between the World Series and some random night in July when the Tigers are 30 games above .500?

EvanAparra

10-27-2006, 09:53 PM

Do we not understand the difference between the World Series and some random night in July when the Tigers are 30 games above .500?

Do we not understand that every game still counts? Every player that doesnt do well in the world series should be traded... Bye bye Ted Williams, See ya Stan Musial!

I'm Keith Hernandez

10-27-2006, 10:13 PM

Do you really want to compare Brandon Inge to Ted Williams?

We are talking about a guy who is about a .240 hitter, strikes out a ton, is an error machine at third, and happened to hit a few homers this year. It would be absurdly easy to replace that type of production at 3rd base.

Look, I have been a big fan of Inge, but the playoffs are most important. After Jerry Stackhouse choked against the Raptors in the 2002(?) playoffs, Dumars didn't hesitate to ship him out of town. Stackhouse led the league in scoring that year, but Dumars was able to obtain a player that would help win a ring.

But it is a moot point since you are willing to settle for a Wild Card team.

tigers527

10-27-2006, 11:28 PM

Hate to say it, but if the opportunity presents itself, he must be upgraded. When it really mattered, he choked.

You do know...that he is likely one of maybe 4-5, 3Bmen (on earth) to make that stab, in the first place. And the other of those folks, either don't have the arm to even try the throw or are not available? BTW that is a play I have seen him make often.

My only complaint about Inge for the moment is the amount of strike outs. If he can figure out how to not K 100 times, I am cool with him.

tigers527

10-27-2006, 11:31 PM

thekid9

10-28-2006, 03:20 AM

B looks bad on the final out tonight. 3 pitches?? I know it was a tough situation but working a count to a guy who was throwing a lot of balls would have been nice.

flea45

10-28-2006, 03:24 AM

thekid9

10-28-2006, 03:36 AM

I agree. I've ALWAYS liked Inge. Good people, scrapy and solid. However, he seemed to be in the middle of everything this series and the Tigers lost. Too many errors and outs. He's going to be unfairly blamed. I'm afraid he's going to be a goat for awhile. I just hope Toger fans remember they won the American League and lost to a hungry and talented team (and bad the Tigers were better).

thekid9

10-28-2006, 03:46 AM

15411

Love Cleveland but the PC in me thinks the logo has to go. Even Inge would think so.

thekid9

10-28-2006, 04:31 AM

Detroit fans need to breathe and realize this was a great year.

Neilios

10-28-2006, 09:42 AM

Hate to say it, but if the opportunity presents itself, he must be upgraded. When it really mattered, he choked.

I tend to agree that every game matters, but as the postseason progresses, the importance of each game progresses. Giving you the benefit of the doubt, your perception on "when it really matters" seems to be reversed...

regular season: .253
ALDS: .133
ALCS: .333
WS: .353

wilkerson_rulz-06

10-28-2006, 10:05 AM

Inge is the all around hitter and player today he's a great guy, he can hit for average, for power, for contact, he can field incredibly , well he can run when he wants (not counting yesterday).

AutographCollector

10-28-2006, 10:19 AM

Teams that would take Pudges Contract + Need a catcher:
Dodgers
Mets
Cubs
Just off the top of my head.
Ummm... we have Lo Duca. So riddle me this. Why in the world would the Mets pick up Pudge's contract? How many catchers do we need? Lo Duca is just fine where he is at.

HDH

10-29-2006, 10:35 AM

Brandon Inge had 398 Assists this season, that's a Tiger record. In fact, it was 8 all time. Only (2) Craig Nettles (2) Brooks Robinson, Harlond Clift, Mike Schmdt, and Doug DeCinces had more in a single season. In comparison, Alex Rodriguez had 262 assists this season. That's 136 more baserunners. The worst part is that Inge's errors are usually costly.
Year Last First Stint Tm Lg POS G PO A E DP PB TC
1971 Nettles Graig 1 CLE AL 3B 158 159 412 16 54 587
1973 Nettles Graig 1 NYA AL 3B 157 117 410 26 39 553
1974 Robinsn Brooks 1 BAL AL 3B 153 115 410 18 44 543
1937 Clift Harlond 1 SLA AL 3B 155 198 405 34 50 637
1967 Robinsn Brooks 1 BAL AL 3B 158 147 405 11 37 563
1974 Schmidt Mike 1 PHI NL 3B 162 134 404 26 40 564
1982 DeCincs Doug 1 CAL AL 3B 153 112 399 21 41 532
2006 Inge Brandn 1 DET AL 3B 159 135 398 22 34 555
1962 Boyer Clete 1 NYA AL 3B 157 187 396 22 41 605
1982 Bell Buddy 1 TEX AL 3B 145 131 396 13 35 540

johnbuckformvp

10-30-2006, 02:45 PM

as someone who isnt a tigers fan i can tell you that hes an over-rated defensive and poor offensive third baseman.

EvanAparra

10-30-2006, 02:47 PM

as someone who isnt a tigers fan i can tell you that hes an over-rated defensive.
:laugh :laugh

racosun

10-30-2006, 06:11 PM

Ummm... we have Lo Duca. So riddle me this. Why in the world would the Mets pick up Pudge's contract? How many catchers do we need? Lo Duca is just fine where he is at.

Look at the date of the post you quoted.

TigersFanB406

11-06-2006, 05:36 PM

Hate to say it, but if the opportunity presents itself, he must be upgraded. When it really mattered, he choked.

So did all the other third basemen in both leagues who didn't make it to the World Series. That includes "ARod". Should they all be upgraded?

BTW...how is a five foot nothing guy supposed to catch a wild throw from the pitcher that he's not expecting, especially one that's 20 feet above his head and a mile down the foul line? Inge is good..but not that good. Oh yeah...and he's better than ARod.:gt

TigersFanB406

11-06-2006, 05:38 PM

as someone who isnt a tigers fan i can tell you that hes an over-rated defensive and poor offensive third baseman.

Let's see...better defensively than ARod...and oh yeah...almost 30 homeruns to boot. In Comerica Park no less. Come on man...what are you smokin?

slugger33

11-06-2006, 09:33 PM

Let's see...better defensively than ARod...and oh yeah...almost 30 homeruns to boot. In Comerica Park no less. Come on man...what are you smokin?
Actually, I agree with johnbuckformvp. Inge is definately poor in the offensive areas. In 2003 he batted .203..... And yeah, his defense is over rated.

EvanAparra

11-06-2006, 09:40 PM

And yeah, his defense is over rated.
Not this year it wasn't.

TigersFanB406

11-08-2006, 07:22 AM

Actually, I agree with johnbuckformvp. Inge is definately poor in the offensive areas. In 2003 he batted .203..... And yeah, his defense is over rated.

But...he hit almost 30 homeruns this year. With all due respect does "2003" really matter now? Can I assume that batting .203 he was down at the bottom of the order? Isn't getting a hit every two out of ten at bats good enough to make the big leagues? How much did he walk? What was his OBP? (rhetorical questions by the way...I can just go look up the answers myself)