Big Cat Galarraga to help Li'l Miguel Cabrera this spring?
"Big Cat" Andres Galarraga may be best known for his chase for a .400 batting average he had in Colorado in 1993, a highlight among the 19 seasons of his career. More recently, he could also be known for coaching the Venezuelan national baseball team.
Now, among Tigers fans, he might the opportunity to be known for another reason: mentoring Miguel Cabrera, or "Miguelito," his term of endearment for the Tigers' slugger.
MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez reported Friday Galarraga will likely attend the Tigers' spring training in Lakeland, which begins later this month, to help Cabrera through his personal battles. Galarraga is willing to work for Cabrera for six weeks in Florida, but would prefer not to spend the entire eight-month season away from home.
Galarraga said:
"Maybe it's one of those things that Miguel is interested in me continuing to help him," Galarraga said. "It seems [general manager] Dave Dombrowski and manager Jim Leyland think it's a good idea."
"Miguelito is preparing himself. After the rehabilitation, he's coming in the best condition," he said. "Miguelito has been a superstar since he started and now he's prepared mentally and physically. I believe he's going to have an explosive year."
The article also says Galarraga helped Cabrera in the 2009 World Baseball Classic as he transitioned from third base to first base and served as a mentor at the tournament.
MLB.com's Jason Beck added to the story at his blog last night.
If it happens, it would be an interesting match of one of Venezuela's most revered players and the young star whose talent has drawn comparisons with Galarraga ever since he was a teenager.
And the bow the ties the entire story together?
Galarraga began his career with the Montreal Expos, where Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski was at the time director of player personnel and later general manager.
Not much to add by me. Obviously, what's good for Cabrera is good for the Tigers. It should be interesting having a personality like Galarraga's -- he also works as a baseball analyst in the media -- around for awhile. I am glad to see Cabrera is getting all the help he needs after his problems in October.
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if the man can help miggy get through whatever problems he has left, sure. and taking advice from a 19 year pro isn’t a bad thing either.
I Like Pie
agreed completely
can’t hurt to have Big Cat around.
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whatever helps keep Cabrera sober and focused
Better for the season, better for his career, and better for his life and family going forward.
"While there's life, there's hope." --Cicero
by Baroque on Feb 6, 2010 11:43 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Good for his career...
better for his family.
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I think it is a great idea
he’s very well respected among the Latin players and if you ask most any of them who they grew up admiring 9 of 10 will tell you ‘Andres Galarraga’ Good for him
Welcome to Detroit, NO sissies allowed
Can Galarraga join the team as the new Hitting Coach!!!
The Lloyd McClendon pull hitting experiment is not working!
would be nice
but i think he doesn’t want to be away from home so many months out of the year, I’d take him anyone has got to be better than Lloyd
Welcome to Detroit, NO sissies allowed
Good and Bad
Good: Not many more respected people in baseball. Big Cat was a great player and a great person. More so this year, he can help Cabrera make the most of his second chance with the fans.
Bad: Small text on iphone + twitter = I spent a while last night trying to figure out why someone trying out for the starting rotation would be able to help mentor Cabrera at first. Andres != Armando. I will make that mistake all spring.
Seriously, I really think this is great.
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…he’s coming in the best condition…
Is this out first “best condition of his/my life” quote this year?
I do believe it is
I thought we wouldn’t see those until spring training actually started. :)
"While there's life, there's hope." --Cicero
Awesome. I remember the Big Cat MASHING for the Braves when I was around 14. Dude was a beast and at the time I had no idea he had come back from cancer.
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usually after drinking
comes something explosive.
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This is as close as I could come

It’s not a goat herder and a big cat but , it works for me…
Welcome to Detroit, NO sissies allowed

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