Miguel Cabrera once praised A.J. Hinch for his contribution to Astros' championship culture while downplaying his role in the sign-stealing scandal
In March 2021, Detroit Tigers first baseman and designated hitter Miguel Cabrera praised former Houston Astros manager A.J. Hinch for his contribution to the team's championship culture. He also downplayed Hinch's role in the 2017 sign-stealing scandal.
In January 2020, Houston Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow and Hinch were suspended without pay before being fired by the franchise for their role in the scandal.
Ten months later, when Hinch was hired by the Detroit Tigers after serving a year-long suspension, Cabrera stepped up to defend him.
"That’s bulls—t. I don't care about that. He's a really smart guy, a passionate guy," Cabrera told ESPN. "He's an honest man, a very special man. He knows a lot about baseball. He has great communication with us. I don't care what they did in Houston. He [was] a big part of the success Houston had the last three to five years."
Miguel Cabrera: It's 'bulls–t' that AJ Hinch is tainted from Astros cheating scandal trib.al/i8PL41B https://t.co/h9qeNngwFu
"Miguel Cabrera: It's 'bulls–t' that AJ Hinch is tainted from Astros cheating scandal." - New York Post
Cabrera made his MLB debut with the Miami Marlins on June 20, 2003, at 20 years old. After spending five years in Miami, he was traded to the Detroit Tigers in 2008. In 2023, Miguel is entering his 21st and final MLB season with the Tigers.
Manager A.J. Hinch defended Miguel Cabrera for pitch clock violation in final spring training game
On Wednesday, Detroit Tigers veteran Miguel Cabrera was given an automatic strike after entering the batter's box late while beginning his second at-bat. According to MLB's new pitch clock regulation, the batter must be in the box with at least eight seconds remaining on the timer.
However, Tigers manager A.J. Hinch was not too annoyed and said the MLB icon would "get a pass."
“He told me he forgot. The music was going and the crowd these first few days have really celebrated him when he’s come up to bat. I think he looked down and never looked up and didn’t check the timer,” Hinch said.
“He’s a 20-year veteran with Hall of Fame credentials. He’ll get a pass."
Cabrera and other veterans will have to adjust to the new pace. mlive.com/tigers/2023/03…
"Cabrera and other veterans will have to adjust to the new pace." -MLive
Miguel Cabrera needs to pick up the pace since the last season of his illustrious career is being played under new regulations intended to quicken the tempo of play.