Tigers slugger Cabrera treated for alcoholism

DETROIT (AP) — Instead of honing his swing this offseason, Miguel Cabrera focused on getting sober.

“My drinking was a problem, and I feel good without it. I feel like a new man,” he said Thursday.

The Detroit Tigers slugger spent three months in an outpatient treatment program for alcoholism following a much-publicized drinking binge during the final weekend of last season, a program that general manager Dave Dombrowski said will continue into spring training and the upcoming season.

“I’ve worked very hard with my doctors and my family this winter, and I’m going to keep working,” Cabrera said as the Tigers started their Winter Caravan through Michigan.

Cabrera said he has turned his life around. He said he hasn’t had a drink since he was taken into custody by police after a domestic-abuse complaint was filed by his wife in the early morning of Oct. 3 — hours before a crucial game against the Chicago White Sox.

Cabrera acknowledged there have been games in the past when his performance was affected by booze.

“I never played drunk, but there were times where I was very tired or my body just felt lazy,” said Cabrera, who went to a treatment program in Miami this offseason. “I don’t feel that way anymore.”

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