Tigers' Miguel Cabrera turns down playoff bonus, but was reportedly joking
Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera said he would turn down his playoff bonus, insisting, “I just want the ring." But an official from Major League Baseball's Players Association has clarified Cabrera's comments as him simply joking around with his teammates.
According to USA Today, the reigning two-time American League Most Valuable Player was sitting at his locker before Detroit’s workout in Baltimore ahead of Game 1 of the American League Division Series when he refused to sign a sheet of paper.
Pitcher Max Scherzer, the AL’s Cy Young Award winner last season, came by with a sheet that players must sign to receive playoff bonuses.
"I'm not signing anything," Cabrera told Scherzer. Cabrera then told designated hitter Victor Martinez, who had just signed his form, "I just want the ring."
"OK, more for us," Scherzer said.
But ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick reported later Thursday, citing multiple sources, that Cabrera was only joking and is expected to sign the papers necessary to receive his bonus money.
The Boston Red Sox players received $307,000 for winning the World Series last year.
Cabrera hit .313 with 25 home runs and 109 RBI this season, the 11th straight season he has hit more than 25 home runs and driven in 100 runs. He signed a 10-year contract worth $292 million with the Tigers last offseason and won one World Series ring with the then-Florida, now Miami Marlins in 2003.
-Brett LoGiurato andScooby Axson
