MLB 2011: Detroit Tigers' Miguel Cabrera Arrested for DUI

In what is sure to become the major story of the Detroit Tigers spring training, reports are surfacing that Miguel Cabrera has been arrested on suspicion of Driving Under the Influence. Widely considered one of the best hitters in the major leagues, Cabrera was the runner up for the American League MVP last year and is vital to the Tigers success going forward.

According to the AP, Cabrera was found in his vehicle on the side of a road in Fort Pierce, FL. His speech was slurred and he had an open bottle of scotch.

Cabrera had a previous drunken disturbance with police in Birmingham, MI the night before a pivotal game vs. the Chicago White Sox in 2009. The Tigers went on to lose the game the next day and ultimately lost the division in a play-in game to the Minnesota Twins. Cabrera was never convicted for that incident.

Since the 2009 ordeal, Cabrera had apparently gotten his life back on track and stopped drinking. Hopefully for the Cabrera family and the Tigers organization, the current incident will end up being a mere relapse in Cabrera's recovery. 

Cabrera is key to the season for the improved Detroit Tigers. The organization brought in high priced free agent Victor Martinez and resigned Magglio Ordonez to help protect Cabrera in the lineup, as he was ofter pitched around in 2010.

This story will definitely be met with concern from the fanbase and front office, and more information will soon follow.