Cabrera, Tigers agree to one-year deal worth $11.3 million

Associated Press
Updated: January 18, 2008, 2:39 PM ET

DETROIT -- Miguel Cabrera and the Detroit Tigers agreed Friday to a one-year contract worth $11.3 million, avoiding salary arbitration before the All-Star third baseman's first season with the team.

Cabrera and pitcher Dontrelle Willis joined Detroit as part of a trade with Florida in December. The Marlins received a package of six players, including two highly rated prospects: left-hander Andrew Miller and outfielder Cameron Maybin.

Cabrera, 24, can become a free agent after the 2009 season, but the Tigers hope to keep him long term.

Cabrera, one of the game's top sluggers, joins an imposing lineup that includes Magglio Ordonez, Gary Sheffield, Carlos Guillen, Ivan Rodriguez, Curtis Granderson and Placido Polanco. The Tigers also acquired shortstop Edgar Renteria, a five-time All-Star, in a trade with Atlanta this offseason.

Well, the long-tern deal they hopefully reach will be huge. Compared to that, this deal should be a massive bargain. Texiera got more, Holliday got more.

I think this gets things off on the right foot between Miggy and DD.

It's huge that the Tigers don't have to go through the painful arbitration process with him right off the bat.

Now you can see why the Marlins traded him, he makes about $3m more than their entire roster now.

Seriously, why do the Florida Marlins still exist?

Huizenga (sp?) tax write-off.

Seriously, why do the Florida Marlins still exist?

Because the players didn't want to play in Cleveland?

Zing!

Plus, the Marlins have more championships in 10 years than all of Cleveland sports do in like 42.

Close to going off on a reference to my massive baseball restructuring plan again. I need to call my 12-step sponsor.

The Marlins > Zekyl