A lot of people have been telling me, "The Tigers need you back." It's great to hear the support from the fans who want me back in the lineup or out playing center field again, but I think people are forgetting about the players that have been playing since I've been hurt (Brandon Inge and Clete Thomas) and how good a job they have done so far.
Brandon hasn't played in the outfield for a very long time but was able to jump right in and pick up right where he left off the last time he played that position. That's the reason I call him "Mr. Everything."
Clete, in my opinion, has one of the best arms in our organization, is a great defender and also a very good leadoff man. He has not only played center for us but left field as well. He has speed, with two stolen bases so far, and can also hit for power. He has two doubles and a triple.
Also, both guys are right around the .375-mark in OBP, yet there isn't much being said about them. I do remember a fan in Chicago (a White Sox fan) coming to me and wishing me luck in my return, but also mentioned that Clete has been doing a great job. I hope people are looking at what these two guys have been doing and realize they are playing extremely well for us. Because we aren't playing that well, people want to point to all the reasons why we aren't winning. Instead of focusing on my injury, take a look at what Brandon and Clete have done in my absence. They are doing great.
Curtis Granderson
