It has not been a typical off-season in Detroit.  There hasn’t been much snow.  It hasn’t been consistently really cold.  The Redwings aren’t playing up to their usual standard.  The Tigers have traded their “face of the franchise” prompting many to believe that it was time for a fire sale.  Then they turned around and signed Valverde and shelled out the big bucks for Verlander.  As I said, it has not been a typical off-season in Detroit.

However, it is the most recent news that has caught my attention as being most unusual.  The Tigers have, apparently, convinced Andres Galarraga to become Miggy Cabrera’s mentor for the spring training season.  Sure, on the surface this seems like it might be a good move.  The Big Cat was known as an excellent defender and has the gold gloves to prove it.  He also was an offensive weapon that received mvp consideration on more than one occasion.  He would probably have received more votes for the Hall of Fame if it wasn’t for the suspicion that he had used steroids.  But all things considered, why wouldn’t he be a good mentor for Miggy?

They both play firstbase.  They both hit the heck out of the ball.  They both come from Venezuala.  They both had issues involving alcohol, their wives, and the local police at the end of last season.  Yes, this is where I raise my eyebrows.  I am not saying that the two are going to tear up Lakeland, Florida on some massive bender where they beat up puppies but, at the same time, I am completely convinced that this is the greatest idea.  Maybe the two will be good for each other.  Maybe Lakeland had better look out.  I know I can’t wait to see how things turn out.