Detroit Tigers 1B Slugger Miguel Cabrera reported to Spring Training this week shortly after being arrested on suspicion of DUI on Feb. 16. Cabrera apologized to his team, fans and Major League Baseball on thursday and he will begin treatment for alcoholism in a situation similar to that of AL MVP Josh Hamilton.
Cabrera, who doesn't even possess a valid Florida Driver's License, said he won't do any more driving in the near future but did not confirm that he has a problem with alcohol or any addition issues at all. In his statement Cabrera did not definitively condemn his actions stating "I have it under control. It was just a bad decision. I plan to continue with treatment. I made a mistake this time, and all I can do is continue treatment."
Cabrera was Hamilton's main competition in the MVP race last year putting up silly offensive numbers: .328 avg., 38 HRs, 126 RBIs, .420 OBP with a 1.042 OBPS but has carried character issues since the beginning of his career with the Florida Marlins. Cabrera was a rookie phenom for the Marlins when they won the World Series in 2003 but has battled weight and disciplinary issues for his entire career since despite his first rate offensive production. The Detroit Tigers are expected to contend for the AL Central crown this season but in order to accomplish that goal they will need Cabrera at his best.
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