Cabrera's previous police encounter was two years ago. While alcohol was involved, it was a domestic abuse complaint that put him in the spotlight and sent the Tigers' chances at a division title spiraling.
It was early October 2009. The Tigers needed to take two of three from Chicago in order to win the division. Detroit lost the series opener, and after the game it was alleged that Cabrera had drinks with a White Sox player.
Cabrera came home drunk and reportedly got into a fight with his wife that resulted in a bruised face and a 911 call.
Police arrived and took Cabrera for questioning. He tested at a 0.26 blood alcohol level, but he was not arrested and was taken home by Dombrowski.
Detroit lost game two and won the series finale, but Cabrera went 0-11. Minnesota won a one game playoff for the division and the 2009 season was done.
Then came the spring of 2010.
"I know I made a big mistake last year," said Cabrera.
"There was a plan. Miguel has followed the plan. He has worked with a doctor on a regular basis. He will continue to do that," said Dombrowski.
A renewed pledge from Cabrera and a watchful eye from Dombrowski resulted in a successful completion of a three-month alcohol outpatient program, and according to Cabrera himself, his problems were a thing of the past.
