"Miguel Cabrera wasn't in the starting lineup for Wednesday night's game against the Royals.

He's starting something else.

And maybe somewhere else, instead of first base, that is.

Reporting for early work despite a scheduled game off, Cabrera took grounders at third as the Tigers began, in manager Jim Leyland's words, "to leave no stone unturned."

"It felt good," Cabrera said. "That's my natural position. You have to be ready for everything."

There's only one reason for Cabrera to be taking grounders at third.

It's not preparation for the division series.

It's also not for the American League Championship Series if the Tigers get that far."