Brandon Inge
Drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the second round of the 1998 amateur draft out of VCU, Brandon Inge was in the big leagues three years later, though he batted an anemic .180 in 79 games as a catcher. Undisciplined at the plate, Inge spent parts of the next two seasons in the minors, but the Tigers continued to give him an opportunity to mature at the big league level. A favorite of manager Alan Trammell, Inge was reknowned for his incredible athletic ability (he reportedly could hit a golf ball more than 300 yards). But when Detroit signed Ivan Rodriguez in 2004, Inge lost his starting catching job. Under the guidance of Trammell and his staff, Inge was converted to a third baseman, where his strong arm and quick feet proved an asset. Hampered by the spacious Comerica Park, Inge's power numbers suffered, but he still managed to slug 27 homers in 2006.
Quotes From Inge
"We beat the Yankees [in the Division Series], they wanted to fire Joe Torre. We beat Oakland [in the ALCS], they fired their manager [Ken Macha]. It's like they're saying, 'You should be embarrassed to have lost to the Tigers.' No one gives us credit for being the team we are." — on a lack of respect for the Tigers in the 2006 post-season
Best Season: 2006
Though he still did little to cut down on the strikeouts or improve his patience at the plate, Inge did increase his power and he drove in some key runs in the Tigers pennant-winning season. He also emerged as a fine defensive third baseman.
Description
Though he has a less-than-imposing appearance, at 5'11" and 180-190 pounds, Inge is very strong. He has one of the best arms in baseball, and has great raw power. He has a boyish face that belies his age.
Where He Played
Inge was originally a catcher, but was converted to third base, and asked to play the outfield a little bit as well, at the major league level. He became a very good, though somewhat inconsistent, defensive third baseman. He was as likely to appear in the highlight reels for a great play as he was to commit a throwing error.
Born
Inge was born on May 19, 1977, in Lynchburg, VA.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Primary Position: C
Primary Team: DET
College: Virginia Commonwealth
Related Players
When the Tigers signed free agent Pudge Rodriguez prior to the 2004 season, Inge's days as the starting catcher were numbered... It's likely that Inge might have rotted in the minor leagues had he not had the support of Tiger manager Alan Trammell.
Injuries and Explanation for Missed Playing Time
Inge has been very healthy throughout his career. He sat out just five games in 2005-2006.
Best Strength as a Player
His throwing arm.
Largest Weakness as a Player
Inability to make adjustments at the plate.
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