TIGERS
Cabrera a no-show
LAKELAND, Fla. - Detroit first baseman Miguel Cabrera has missed the Tigers’ first day of a full-squad practice and the team doesn’t know when he will report.
“Miguel is not going to be here today nor will be here for the next couple of days,” Tigers General Manager Dave Dombrowski said. “We had conversations yesterday between the commissioner’s office, the players association, myself and Miguel’s representative and him, and we’ve decided that it’s best to meet with some doctors in the beginning ofthe week and completely assess what has taken place.”
The first baseman was arrested late Wednesday on suspicion of drunken driving in Fort Pierce, about 110 miles southeast of Lakeland.
Dombrowski said he won’t know when Cabrera might return until after the doctors see him.
“I would anticipate, after the doctor visits with him, having some type of feel by at least the middle of this week,” he said. “I’ve talked to him onthe phone a couple of times. He’s as down as he can be. He feels terrible.”
Detroit is hoping to contend for the AL Central title after adding players such as Victor Martinez and Brad Penny in the offseason. Cabrera is the lineup’s centerpiece. He hit .328 with 38 home runs last year and finished second in the American League MVP voting to Texas’ Josh Hamilton.
RANGERS
Young reports
SURPRISE, Ariz. - Michael Young reported to spring training on time Saturday for the Texas Rangers, saying he was ready to play and try to make the best of “a situation that is less than ideal” after the team was unable to fulfill his request for a trade.
Young, the longest-tenured Rangers player going into his 11th season, arrived at camp a day before the first full-squad workout for the AL champions.
“I have nothing to hide. I have nothing to be ashamed of. There’s not a thing I would change. So I’m not uncomfortable,” Young said. “If I had a horrible relationship with guys in that room or my manager, I would be uncomfortable, but Idon’t. I love my teammates. I love my manager.”
Two-time Gold Glove third baseman Adrian Beltre was signed this winter, supplanting Young at third base. The Rangers plan for Young to be their primary designated hitter and have him fill in at every infield position. It is the third time in eight springs Young’s role with the team has changed.
ASTROS
Pence wins arbitration
PHOENIX - Outfielder Hunter Pence has defeated the Houston Astros in the final salary arbitration case of the offseason, giving players victories in two of three hearings this year.
Pence will make $6.9 million rather than the team’s offer of $5.15 million.
Arbitrators Robert Herzog, Margaret Brogan and Fredric Horowitz made the decision Saturday, a day after hearing arguments.
Pence hit .282 with 25 homers, 91 RBI and 18 steals last year, when he made $3.5 million. Houston had won its previous four arbitration hearings.
The three cases matched the low since the process started in 1974. Pittsburgh pitcher Ross Ohlendorf won his case this year and Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jered Weaver lost.
Sports, Pages 34 on 02/20/2011