LAKELAND, Fla. — For a cut up second, it was as if Miguel Cabrera by no means left.
There was the longer term Corridor of Famer and the Tigers’ latest particular assistant, in baseball gear, cap and hoodie, taking throws at first base Tuesday morning. He appeared in taking part in form, even with a pair further grey whiskers on his chin, and he chatted with former teammate Spencer Torkelson behind the bag like a long-lost pal.
However make no mistake, Cabrera is glad in retirement. He has no regrets about stepping away after final season following 21 Main League seasons, 3,174 hits and 511 dwelling runs.
“I am feeling good. I really feel like I gave every part I had in baseball,” Cabrera stated. “Proper now I can say, ‘OK, that is sufficient.’ I did not need to depart baseball and say I can play extra. No, I am unable to play anymore. No extra baseball for me. Volleyball and softball.”
“My teammates do all of it,” Cabrera stated. “I simply go on the market and serve, cross and that’s it.”
The Tigers introduced on the finish of final season that Cabrera would keep within the group as a particular assistant. Cabrera and Detroit supervisor A.J. Hinch had been working to determine the timing of his arrival in camp, permitting the crew a while to settle into its present type whereas giving Cabrera a possibility to supply a lift of power and cross on information to youthful gamers.
Because the Tigers enter the ultimate two weeks of camp, having simply returned from a two-day journey that included lengthy drives to West Palm Seaside and Port St. Lucie, now was an excellent time.
“As he walked into the constructing, into the room, all the fellows have been actually excited,” Hinch stated. “So it’s an ideal time to carry his power and his chortle to the sphere.”
Cabrera shall be in camp for the week.
“He’s going to be within the [batting] cage at 8 a.m. with the hitting coaches,” stated Hinch. “He’s [g]oing to do some bit of labor on the Minor League facet. He’s going to be within the dugout for the sport and form of start his new position with the group.
“It’s fairly superior. Clearly we have now a ton of influences across the group, however getting Miggy, we want his knowledge, we want his affect.”
The Tigers and Cabrera are nonetheless engaged on his position in the course of the season. He plans to attend the house opener on April 5 at Comerica Park, and could be in Chicago for Opening Day, if his daughter’s volleyball schedule permits. However he additionally needs to be a useful resource for Minor Leaguers.
“No matter they ask me, I’m open to speak to them,” Cabrera stated. “The extra I need to discuss is up right here, psychological. As a result of lot of instances, we put plenty of strain [on them]. Go on the market, do your job, have enjoyable.”
That stated, he additionally has excessive expectations for the crew.
“Hope the beginning pitchers keep wholesome,” Cabrera stated. “In the event that they keep wholesome, playoffs.”