Inge Replacements

The date is July 11th. Brandon Inge has 231 plate appearances in the 2011 season. His stats are as follows: .184 BA, 1 HR, 17 RBI, 57 K. As a 3rd baseman, Inge has 8 errors and a .957 fielding %.

If the Tigers are serious about making a run in the Central, they desperately need a replacement. I'm not entirely sure the answer is Don Kelly. While Kelly possesses a much stronger bat (if you can call a .248 BA "strong"), he's not a career 3rd baseman. Kelly's value is as a utility man. Let's not change that.

Now, the Tigers don't need an All-star. They just need an upgrade from Inge's .184 BA. They need somebody who's not going to kill every single rally. Someone who may bring value to the team. Someone, who, like RABURN, occasionally contributes to a win (see: July 7).

So what 3rd basemen are available? Typically, the players with expiring contracts are the most likely to be traded. Here are some 3rd basemen that fit that bill (and their relevant 2011 stats):

Wilson Betemit, KC (.285, 3 HR, 27 RBI)

Betemit is a utility player for the Royals, but he's been used mostly at 3rd base. Not much pop. His fielding ain't better than Inge, but he's solid. And, at $1M this season, he's cheap!

Eric Chavez, NYY (.303, 0 HR, 6 RBI)

Former gold glover that signed a $1.5M contract with the Yanks, after, gulp, 4 injury plagued seasons at Oakland (during which time he coolly pocketed $40M). If he could stay healthy, he'd be a cheap, easy Inge replacement. Right now, he's on the 60 day DL. So he's looking at late August for a return. Not likely the Tigers deal for him.

Greg Dobbs, FL (.293, 2 HR, 21 RBI)

Seldom used 3rd baseman who currently makes $600K. Obviously, his hitting would be a major upgrade over Inge. For his career (1300+ games), Dobbs is a .265 hitter. Defensively, he's statistically weaker than Inge. But his bat should make up the difference. And he's cheap.

Edwin Encarnacion, TOR (.255, 6 HR, 19 RBI)

Making $3.5M this season. He's providing offensive stats that the Tigers were hoping to get from Inge. He's not driving in many runs, but the home runs and average are about on par. The main problem with Encarnacion is his 8 errors and dreadful fielding% (.826). He might just have people clamoring to get Inge back!

Melvin Mora, Free Agent (.228, 0 HR, 16 RBI)

He's a free agent. So there's no gamble really. He's also 39. But just last season, the former all-star hit .285. He's a competent third baseman. He might be the best option.

Aramis Ramirez, CHC (.298, 15 HR, 51 RBI)

Former All-star having an all-star season again (though he didn't make the 2011 team). Tigers would have to part with some key prospects to make this deal happen. Doubtful.