Drunken Tiger

Miguel Cabrera has had alcohol problems in the past. Now he's got alcohol problems in the present.
The Tigers first baseman was arrested in Florida, charged suspicion of drunk driving. Cabrera's car was on the side of the road with a smoking engine. Officers responding found Cabrera who was slurring his speech and reeking of alcohol. He even took a swig from a bottle of scotch in front of the officers.
Cabrera also dropped the "do you know who I am?" card.
I know who Cabrera is. He's one of the best players in baseball who is on the verge of pissing it all away at the age of 28.
I don't consider this a sad story. I consider it a pathetic story and I have zero sympathy for Cabrera. I'm not one for feeling sorry for self-destructive people. I'm just glad he didn't kill someone driving in that condition.
The guy is a bum and despite all the gaudy stats, he's a bad teammate.
The Tigers have improved their ball club this winter and feel they have the pieces to contend. Now this. Selfish is a word that comes to mind. Let's remember the final week of the 2009 season when the Tigers were battling the Twins and Cabrera got into a drunken fight with his wife before Detroit lost a crucial game. He let the team down then and he's letting the team down now. That is my definition of a bad teammate.
The Tigers are on the hook for more than $100 million dollars with Cabrera. Obviously they would like to see him in spring training soon and in the Opening Day lineup.
However, it seems like the guy needs some time away from the game. A long time in rehab might help him with his alcohol and psychological problems.
I have a feeling that if the Tigers and baseball treat him with kid gloves again then he will let them down again. It could be worse next time.
All I know is I don't want to be on the road when Cabrera decides to get behind the wheel of a car after another bender.