Detroit Tigers Links: RIP Jeff Robinson, Say no to Drew, Miggy recovery time

We begin today’s morning links with a reluctant farewell to Jeff Robinson. In a time when the Detroit Tigers’ minor league system was a barren wasteland, especially pitching prospects, Robinson was a beacon of hope. Robinson joined the Tigers rotation in the division winning season of 1987, pitched in the only playoff game won by the team that season, and posted an impressive 13-6 record with 2.98 ERA in 1988. He could never regain that form and was gone after the 1990 season in a trade for Mickey Tettleton.

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RIP, Jeff. Gone way too early.

Moving to on the field matters, Brad Faber argues against bringing in outfielder Drew Stubbs to fill the void in center, which is a strong rumor.

Lastly Max DeMara looks at how, even if he will miss a lot of time, the Tigers need to be very cautious in bringing Miguel Cabrera back after surgery.

Jeff Robinson dies at age 52 – ESPN

"Robinson’s death was confirmed Monday by both the Tigers and the Kansas-based Natural Baseball Academy, where he served as a pitching director, coach and instructor. They did not release any information about the cause of Robinson’s death. The Natural Baseball Academy said Robinson died Sunday."

Detroit Tigers Should Not Trade For Drew Stubbs – Brad Faber, Rant Sports

"Sure, the 30-year-old Stubbs has speed and double-digit home run pop, and he could potentially cover a lot of ground in the spacious outfield of Comerica Park. The Tigers are also quite familiar with Stubbs as well, considering the fact that he played for the division rival Cleveland Indians back in 2013. All of that being said, though, the right-handed heavy Tigers desperately need to find a left-handed bat — especially if switch-hitting Victor Martinez departs via free agency.Another factor that should scare the Tigers away from Stubbs is his propensity to swing and miss, striking out in an alarming 29.7 percent of his career plate appearances. While many believed that former Tigers center fielder Austin Jackson was vulnerable to the strikeout, his career K-rate is only 23.5 percent for comparison."

Detroit Tigers Must Learn from Miguel Cabrera’s Injury Experiences, Give Him Time to Recover – Max DeMara, Tigers 101

"The team cannot chance any of that this time around, especially with the importance of next season in the grand landscape and the delicacy of this latest injury. The ankle is vital for Cabrera to pivot on while hitting, and needed for his usually elite activity in the field. Only late in the season as all his injuries seemed to heal did Cabrera look like the complete player he had been. Quietly, the rehab for this injury might be as important as the core surgery last year. Without a completely healthy ankle, Cabrera could struggle offensively again, and risk re-injuring himself trying to play through the discomfort. This time around, prudence will be key. If Cabrera’s not completely ready to start opening day, there’s no need to push him. What happens in May through September is far more important for the Tigers than the month of April."

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