Pittsburgh Pirates Rumors: Brandon Inge Signs With Buccos On Minor-League Deal

September 20, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Oakland Athletics third baseman Brandon Inge (7) in the dugout during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Oakland won 12-4. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Most people remember how Jim Leyland struggled to cut Brandon Inge loose and ended his time with the Detroit Tigers.  Two reports said that Inge had contract offers on the table, but we heard on the 93.7 CBS show tonight that Inge has signed a minor league deal with the Pirates.

CBS’ Danny Knobler was the first with the news.  Inge started off the 2012 season on a pathetic 2-for-20 run.   You might recall that the Oakland A’s picked up the veteran who mainly plays third base, but has been all over the diamond.

With the Oakland A’s, Inge cuaght Brandon Moss disease and hit 11 bombs and drove in 52 runs in just 74 games.  Unfortunately, he suffered a shoulder injury in the middle of the August.  In September, he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his throwing shoulder.

His plate discipline is rather shitty, but we can only imagine Clint Hurdle oozing over his gritty play.  The guy can glove it and defense on the corners isn’t something that is a strength for the Buccos.  And God forbid if Pedro Alvarez were ever to miss some time at third base, Inge could prevent Josh Harrison from seeing the field if he is fully recovered from his surgery.

Detroit Jock City wrote more about the Inge Project recently