ESPN: Cabrera, Tigers Agree to Deal

by Eli Greenspan on Mar 22, 2008 10:41 PM EDT

According to ESPN.com, the Tigers and Miguel Cabrera are closing in on a eight year deal worth 153.5 million dollars. "Miguel just signed a big contract," said the source. "The contract will be completed when Miguel takes a physical on Monday." This is an excellent deal for the Tigers who lock up Cabrera while he is entering his prime. Cabrera, who lost at least twenty pounds this off season, still hit 34 homeruns last season. Playing in the lineup he is in now, he should have a higher average and more homeruns. I have been going back in forth in my mind about the division winner in the AL Central, but with Cabrera not having to worry about his contract, I could see him having a huge year and carrying the Tigers into the playoffs. Obviously, we won't know till the end of the season, but I really like this deal for the Tigers.

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Just my opinion but I think this is a bad move by them not because they resign him but because of the yrs and money. Right now he would be guarenteed 19+ a yr for over 8 yrs. That's a very risky conract because if he's injured the Tigers are getting screwed. As of now thats about 1/6 of their payroll, which could come back and bite them if he's not healthy. Plus he does has issues with his weight, sure he lost it but it can always comeback. If he does stay healthy then this is a good move by the Tigers because in a few yrs. the free agent market will be totally messed up and 19mill will go to avg joe players. But you always have to into consideration that risk because very few players go a whole career staying healthy.

by Anonymous on Mar 22, 2008 11:46 PM EDT reply actions

Disagree with Anon above. Players are insured for injuries. Tigers will NOT be out $19M per year, insurance will pay out. Cabrera is not even 25 yet, never lost time to injury and keeps in great shape. This is a great deal. If he were 33 getting a 8 year deal, I would agree it would not look so good.

by Anonymous on Mar 23, 2008 6:36 AM EDT reply actions

He has a tendency to not train and gain weight, I think he will have to become a 1B or DH at the end of his career due to his weight. Seeing how contracts are spiking, its not a bad move money wise.

by Bucky, NY on Mar 23, 2008 9:13 AM EDT reply actions

it's very possible Cabrera becomes complacement because he got the "Big Deal" he was looking for. The interesting thing is how will he be in two years?

by KevinGillman on Mar 23, 2008 1:21 PM EDT reply actions

This move assures fans in Detroit that this recent talent buildup is not a sign of a short term "must win now" mentality. The commitment to the fans shows them that Detroit is now a place that will attract other big name free agents in coming years, simply because they WANT to win.

by Anonymous on Mar 23, 2008 1:34 PM EDT reply actions