It seems like ages since Miguel Cabrera hit a home run on Opening Day in Detroit back on March 31. Most of us believed we were witnessing what would become a common occurrence. Unfortunately, Cabrera’s bat didn’t generate much offensive production for most of the season’s early months.
Even though I was beginning to have my doubts about Cabrera’s abilities, many people whose baseball opinions I truly respect assured me that it was only a matter of time before Cabrera found a comfort level and began to hit. They told me that Cabrera is “the real deal” and that he will continue to be one of baseball’s most formidable hitters. It looks like they were right.
After the Dontrelle Willis fiasco, many Tigers fans have been wondering if the entire Tigers-Marlins off-season trade was a complete bust. But now Cabrera is looking like a true future Hall of Famer and the doubts have all but subsided.
Cabrera has recently been named the American League player of the week and player of the month for July. In his last 10 games, Cabrera is batting .350 with 5 home runs, and 14 RBI. His season average is now a healthy .298 with 23 homers and 89 RBI in 440 at-bats. Given his current pace, he should have no problem finishing the year with a .300+ average, 30+ home runs, and 120+ RBI. Not bad for a guy adjusting to a new and tougher league.
Cabrera is becoming the player we all hoped he’d be as his talent begins to shine through.
Carolyn
Living in South Florida, I watched Cabrera play with the Marlins for 4 1/2 years. After his slow start this season, I mentioned to those who doubted him that he will have a great second-half, and that he is the real deal and then some. I think many are starting to realize this.