Defying Expectations, Cabrera Continues To Beat The Odds

If you look back on the career stats of Miguel Cabrera you might say that 2017 was the “beginning of the end” for him. His illustrious career finally produced a full-season RBI total under 100. He hit just .249 that season with only 16 home runs. It also marked the first time that his OPS+ was under 100 in his career. He has stayed relatively close to the totals he put up that year, although his batting average has steadily risen closer to the .300 mark he is associated with.

This year, something funny has happened though. Cabrera currently leads the team in batting average with a .294 through 40 games played. His power has still waned, hitting just three home runs so far. However, he also leads the team in runs batted in with 18. Last week we talked about how Cabrera was one of the big bats in the Tiger lineup. He has continued that so far this season. If you looked at the Tigers’ opening day roster, there might’ve been four or five guys who you’d predict would have more runs batted in than Cabrera. But as the years go on, one thing remains constant; Miguel Cabrera continues to beat the odds.

How Does Cabrera Manage To Beat The Odds Over And Over Again?

Cabrera has been the workhorse on offense for the majority of his tenure with the Tigers. From 2009-2013, Cabrera finished top five in the MVP voting each year. He would win the award twice, including in 2012 when he won the first Triple Crown in baseball since Carl Yastrzemski did in 1967. His approach has always been one to most likely produce a base hit, not just hitting for power. Part of that may have been due to the ballpark in which he calls home. Comerica Park in Detroit has often been known as a cavernous ballpark which is great for triples in the gaps, but not for home runs. That hasn’t seemed to bother Cabrera who had 30+ home runs in seven different seasons in Detroit. Last week we talked about how Cabrera was one of the big bats in the Tiger lineup. He has continued that so far this season.

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The biggest reason why Cabrera has been able to stay relevant even after people began to write him off is his clutch hitting. While being clutch isn’t easy to quantify, its a trait Cabrera certainly possesses. Just five days ago, Cabrera was able to help the Tigers walk off against the Cleveland Guardians

There are a couple of things in that clip that really stand out. First is the approach Cabrera took in the at-bat. He kept things simple and smoked a single up the middle for the game-winner. The second thing is the swagger and energy that Cabrera still plays with. He truly loves playing the game still and in the clip, his teammates feed off of that. Having a passion for what you do makes it easier to go in and do it day after day. I think that more than anything is the reason that Miguel Cabrera continues to beat the odds. This isn’t to say that he will be an All-Star or MVP candidate again, but Detroit needs someone to play well. It being Cabrera will hopefully lead to things turning around offensively for the Tigers.