Detroit Tigers: Can They Survive the Year with Miguel Cabrera at Third Base?

After an incredible weekend in the Motor City, a question may have been answered for the final time. 

The Tigers managed to score an impressive 26 runs in only 3 games and are on pace to have an amazing offensive campaign in 2012.

However, many fans and media members are still asking the same question: Can the Tigers survive this season with Miguel Cabrera playing third base?

In game one of the series against Boston, Cabrera had a minor lapse at third base when he let a routine grounder pass right by him on his first defensive opportunity of the season.  Instead of getting in front of the ball and using his body and glove to make a play, he attempted to side-step the ball in order to make a play to his left. 

This was incredibly insignificant as far as Cabrera's ability to make plays at third, which became very apparent during game two.

On the way to the Tigers' 10-0 win in game two against the Red Sox, Cabrera made some impressive plays at the hot corner, one of which was an impressive diving catch to his left in order to save a single.

Even Cabrera acknowledged that the crowd was pleasantly surprised to see his athleticism in action. 

In a recent article in the Detroit Free Press, Cabrera stated "Everybody was surprised by that catch." Not only was this play impressive, but he also managed to make all of the routine plays look easy. 

After this series, it's safe to say that Cabrera is beginning to settle in at his new home.

While it's obvious that Cabrera will commit his share of errors at the hot corner, it's also very clear that he has the ability to make routine plays and big plays at his new position.

Even though the Tigers and their fans know that Cabrera's defensive skills have improved, his bat is still as powerful as ever. 

As a matter of fact, all of the Tigers are swinging the lumber with some authority already this season. With an offense this potent, the Tigers have an ability that only few teams in the league possess—scoring runs at any moment. 

Detroit has already proven that no lead is safe for any team, and they will challenge pitchers at every point in their batting order. As of right now, there's no weak point in the Tigers lineup, which will progressively get better as the season continues. 

Cabrera may still have his doubters, which are becoming harder and harder to find, but an error or two along the way will have little to no effect on this potent Tigers team. 

Even if he gives up a run or two on a bad defensive play or an errant throw to first, Cabrera's bat will more than make up for those miniscule mistakes.  Also, the bats that surround Cabrera are more than capable of putting up big numbers each and every night they take the field. 

No one should assume that Cabrera has made his last error at third, even after his impressive start this season. 

That is simply unreasonable. 

However, what's not unreasonable is the fact Cabrera should be treated like every other third baseman in the league, as he is completely capable of playing the hot corner as well as any other player right now. 

The question that loomed over spring training should finally be answered. 

Cabrera will be more than adequate at third base, and the Tigers will not only survive, but they will thrive with him there. 

Look for Cabrera to continue making special plays at third base all season long, which will no doubt help lead the Tigers to their second consecutive AL Central title.