Cabrera tackles alcohol demons

By Mary Caton, The Windsor Star

Detroit Tigers outfielder Mig-uel Cabrera admitted publicly Thursday that he had a drinking problem, which bubbled to the surface at the end of the 2009 baseball season.

Cabrera said he has been in treatment with a Miami doctor since last season ended with the Tigers losing a one-game playoff tie breaker to the Minnesota Twins.

As the Tigers struggled to maintain their lead in the AL's Central Division over the final weekend of the regular season, Cabrera's alcohol level allegedly registered more than three times the legal limit for driving when he was given a breathalyzer test by police at 6:30 a.m. that Saturday.

Cabrera played in a crucial loss to the Chicago White Sox that night.

In town for the Tigers' annual winter caravan, Cabrera said he hasn't had a drink since that day in early October.

"I'm a new man," he said. "I feel like a new person. I feel happy. I feel more comfortable. It's a new season and a new life for me."

Cabrera made these comments with Tigers' president and GM Dave Dombrowski lurking just over his shoulder.

No doubt, Dombrowski intends to keep a similarly close eye on his young slugger as the 2010 season unfolds.

"As with any problem, we'll continue to stay on top of it," Dombrowski said. "It's something he has to deal with on a daily basis."

Cabrera initially attended daily counselling sessions which lasted between two and three hours each time, according to Dombrowski.

"He had a lot to talk about," Dombrowski said.

"He had family issues. I think he's opened up about a lot of his problems."

At times using a Spanish interpreter to make sure of his phrasing, Cabrera said his Miami doctor will visit him in Detroit "as necessary."

Dombrowski said the club has a treatment plan in place for Cabrera during spring training and they're in the process of formulating another for the grind of a 162-game regular season.

Despite his personal demons, Cabrera belted 34 home runs, drove in 103 runs and batted .324.

Over the final 20 games of the season, however, he hit just .244.

Police became involved that Saturday morning because his wife called 911 following a domestic dispute.

"I've got better communication with my family, with my wife," Cabrera said.

"My family is happy. It's a beautiful life now."

Tigers veteran Brandon Inge doesn't anticipate any clubhouse animosity over Cabrera's behaviour last fall.

"Last year is last year," Inge said. "I don't foresee anyone bringing him down. I'm proud of him. A lot of guys would have shrugged it off. I really respect him (for admitting he's an alcoholic). That takes a lot of character."

Inge said it "gave me chills" to hear Cabrera had a drinking problem.

"He looks great so obviously he's taking it seriously," Inge said.

The Tigers are in the midst of their annual coldweather caravan which includes a stop in Windsor this morning at the University of Windsor.

The event in room 140 of the university's human kinetics building is listed as open to the public but seating is limited.

The doors open at 9 a.m. with a sports business forum between players, front office personnel and students set to start at 9:30 a.m.

Players scheduled to attend are pitchers Nate Robertson, Bobby Seay and shortstop Adam Everett.

mcaton@thestar.canwest.com or 519-255-5726

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Cabrera talks about his battle with alcohol.