Is Clete Thomas the New Brandon Inge?

I don’t have much against Brandon Inge. I’ve always thought he was a fine player. 

What I do have a problem with—and I know I’m not alone here—is how much love this guy gets from Tigers fans. Inge has been getting the royal treatment for years, and I don’t think he’s earned that. I know all the popular arguments for why he’s so loved, so save them.

However, Inge has a new member on his club I find just as puzzling. Clete Thomas is turning into a cult hero in Detroit, which completely baffles me. I know my mom likes him because she thinks he’s cute. That can’t explain his entire following, though, can it?

Ian of Bless You Boys has been all over Thomas since day one and is probably the person actually driving the bandwagon. He’s even selling shirts.

From what I can gather, here’s why people like this mediocre outfielder:

• He’s a lefty.
• He’s young.
• He’s not paid all that much.
• He’s got that blue-collar image going, and people like that.
• He has country music playing when he comes up to bat.
• They think he’s "clutch."
• His name is Clete.

That’s all I can piece together. Some of those points are the same points the Brandon Inge people have been making for years (just replace country music with lousy alternative rock). Here are some facts about our friend:

• His batting line this season is .242/.328/.397
• He has an OPS+ of 88.  The “average” for a big leaguer is 100.
• His batting average at Comerica Park is 40 points higher than it is on the road.
• Career .260 hitter with runners in scoring position.
• This season he has struck out once every 3.7 at-bats, the same rate as Brandon Inge.
• He has an OBP of .328, the same as Brandon Inge.
• In his career as a starter, his batting average is only .252.
• When coming off the bench, he hits .310.
• Slightly above-average defense player.

I was surprised at how many similarities he has with Inge.  However, he doesn’t have Inge’s power and isn’t even close in terms of defensive value.

I like Clete Thomas. I’m glad he plays for the Tigers, but let’s not worship the guy or start crafting any idols. He’s a fourth or fifth outfielder. That’s what he is. As long as he’s starting for the Tigers, that’s going to be a weakness for the team.

The numbers show that he’s a below-average player but actually pretty good in a substitute role.  I think that’s the perfect way to think about him.

I don’t expect this to change his cult status. I’ve been saying this same stuff about Inge for five years, and that guy still gets the loudest cheers at every home game.