Leyland says Inge will compete for second base spot

(WXYZ) - Upon arriving in Lakeland, Florida, Tigers manager Jim Leyland unveiled the first piece of news this spring training.

Leyland told reporters Brandon Inge wants a shot at playing second base.

The former third baseman reportedly told Tigers general manager and president Dave Dombrowski he wants an opportunity to compete for the starting spot at second.

Inge has never played the position in an MLB game, but his shot might not be as farfetched as at seems.

Ramon Santiago and Ryan Raburn split time there last season and seemed to be the favorites to compete there again in 2012.

After being demoted to the minors last year, Inge expressed his loyalty to the franchise and the team. He has gone from catcher to third base, back to catcher and back to third base in his 11 major league seasons.

Inge was bumped from the corner infield spot when the Tigers signed Prince Fielder this offseason. Fielder will play first base for Detroit. The move will slide Miguel Cabrera to third base.

Inge batted .197 in 2011 with three home runs and 23 RBIs. He played in 102 games.