Pitching to Cabrera

Miguel Cabrera's status is uncertain at the moment as his DUI arrest plays out.  I do want to note something that I think is interesting in the way pitchers approach Miguel.  Over the last three seasons, Miguel makes the most contact inside:

Miguel Cabrera making contact, 2008-2010.Given that picture, pitchers should want to work him outside, which they do with the bases empty:

Miguel Cabrera pitch frequency, bases empty, 2008-2010.With men on base, however, the pitchers come further in:

Miguel Cabrera pitch frequency, men on base, 2008-2010.The men on base situation gives a slugger an opportunity to damage the other team, so pitchers should really be most careful in this situation.  Power moves base runners, and Miguel supplies that power:

Miguel Cabrera slugging, 2008-2010.Miguel's not bad on the pitches up and out, but he really creams those on the inside half of the plate.  Pitchers do tend to go up when they attack Miguel inside, but they may be better off avoiding that half of the plate altogether.