The Tigers are experiencing major differences in the lineup for the new year. The loss of DH Victor Martinez with a torn ACL has brought the club down but with contributors coming back from their respected injuries, and top free agents and prospects have joined the roster to provide damage for opposing clubs. Here are my predictions for this year's starting lineup.
1. Austin Jackson CF
Jackson scares me when he's up in the batters box. He always
finds a way to strikeout and not even attempt to swing the bat. But his speed is helpful to reach on base for the power hitters to score runs.
2. Brennan Bosch LF
Bosch is coming back from an injury he received during the end of the year. His bat was missed during the playoffs but having him back will improve the lineup greatly.
3. Miguel Cabrera 3rd
No surprise here, pitchers will worry about the Venezuelan at the 3rd spot. Over 30 home runs and 100 RBIs the past few years, there are no signs of Cabrera slowing down in his productivity.
4. Prince Fielder 1st
The newest addition to the Tigers organization. Fans are hoping Prince will live up to what his father established when he played at Tiger Stadium in the early 90's. Look for Fielder to have 50 home run seasons while he's wearing the English D
5. Delmon Young DH
Delmon joined the Tigers during the deadline to help team reach the playoffs with his ability to hit, and he didn't disappoint. His addition at the 5th spot will contribute to the power hitting in the heart of the lineup.
6. Jhonny Peralta SS
The most consistent batter in lineup. An excellent all around player. He can do everything, singles, doubles, triples
and homeruns. Another All-Star season will earn him his second career All-Star game appearance.
7. Alex Avilia C
Alex is one of those players that came out of college that no one knew about and it took one season for the national spotlight to be on Alex. .301 average and a start in the All-Star game. Alex will prove this year that last year wasn't a fluke.
8. Don Kelly, Andy Dirks RF
We will see this spring training a battle for the starting spot at right field and the eighth spot in the lineup between Don Kelly and Andy Dirks. Both are excellent athletes, which is hard to decide which one to pick. It will be interesting who Jim Leyland picks this year to be on the starting roster.
9. Ramon Santiago 2nd
The fastest player on the Tigers squad in my opinion. Ramon is an excellent Contributor when it comes to singles and bunting to put extra men on base. I wouldn't be surprised if Ramon would get bumped up in this lineup such as 1st or 7th.
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