Miguel Cabrera Anyone?

The Detroit Tigers have a little more than $102 million tied into bad contracts.  It's probably why the Tigers are slashing contracts like it was an everything-must-go sales event.

But while the Chicago Cubs have apparently shown interest in Curtis Granderson, the guy they should be going after is Miguel Cabrera.

Last I checked, as the offseason got underway, the Cubs said they were looking for a power-hitting corner outfielder.  And unlike last season, they didn't care whether or not he batted left-handed or right-handed.  So, while adding Granderson would be a nice addition, Cabrera is the player GM Jim Hendry and manager Lou Piniella have stated that they want on the 2010 roster.

Cabrera hasn't played outfield since 2005, and has not played right field since 2004.  Since moving to the American League, Cabrera has shifted to become primarily a corner infielder.  However, it should not stop the Cubs from inquiring about what it would take to get his services.

He posted a .324/.396/.547/.942 slash line with 34 home runs and 103 runs batted in.  In his career, Cabrera has averaged .311/.383/.542/.925 with 33 HRs and 117 RBIs.  There are only two players on the free agent market who can put up those kinds of numbers and neither of them have significant experience playing right field..

Miggie has $126 million coming his way over the next six years in a contract that will take him through age 32.  Whichever team willing to pick him up would be getting Cabrera in his prime.  And while there are some issues with his defense, you have to think Cabrera is no worse than Milton Bradley out in right field.

The Cubs should take note that Cabrera is a career .295/.372/.500/.873 hitter in day games and owns a .351/.417/568/.984 slash line in 84 plate appearances at Wrigley Field.

On top of that, signing Cabrera would serve as a great contingency plan if the team wanted to part ways with Derrek Lee after this season when he becomes a free agent after the 2010 season.  D-Lee would be 35 on April 28 of the 2011 season, while Ramirez would be  Cabrera would be only 28.  Come to think of it, if Aramis Ramirez opted out of his contract after the end of the 2009 campaign, Cabrera could fill in at third base.

There's a lot of talk externally (and I imagine internally as well) about whether or not the Cubs should consider dealing their top prospects (3B Josh Vitters, SS Starlin Castro, SP Andrew Cashner) in an offseason deal.  I figure, if you're going to deal your best prospects to the Detroit Tigers, do it for the guy who has averaged 35 homers, 116 ribbies, a .312 batting average and a .931 OPS over the last three seasons.

And for those of you keeping score at home, that guy is Miguel Cabrera.  Not Curtis Granderson.