Brandon Inge Signs with Oakland A’s

Less than a week after being released by the Detroit Tigers, veteran third baseman Brandon Inge has signed with the Oakland Athletics.  The A’s were one of several teams that expressed interest in Inge following his unconditional release.  Oakland figures to use Inge as their everyday third baseman.

Inge was forced off the hot corner in Detroit this season with the Prince Fielder signing and resulting Miguel Cabrera shift back to third base.  Over his nine games with the Tigers, Inge only managed 2 hits in 20 at-bats.

Inge had been in decline-mode over his last several seasons in Detroit, but he dropped off in a big way in 2011.  Inge posted an OPS of .548 over his 102 games and 269 at-bats in 2011.

But Inge’s 2011 line makes him look like Babe Ruth compared to the trio of third basemen the A’s have trotted out in 2012.  So far this season, Josh Donaldson, Eric Sogard and Luke Hughes have combined for a paltry batting average and OPS of .127 and .374.

For this reason Inge is expected to slide into Oakland’s starter role at third.  The A’s will only be on the hook for the veteran minimum, as the Tigers will pay Inge’s full 2012 salary of $5.5 million.  Over his 12 seasons, all with the Tigers, Inge has maintained a line of .234/.304/.691.

For more on the Athletics be sure to check out Swingin’ A’s.

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