Jim Leyland names Tigers' likely lineup for Opening Day - MLB News
Manager Jim Leyland has named Detroit Tigers’ likely lineup for the opening day, reports a leading sports website. Detroit Tigers dominated the American League Central Division last season. Leyland and his men showed just why they are one of the strongest
teams in the American League.
Although the Tigers started the season on a very slow note, they were able to pick their pace as the season progressed. By the end of August, Chicago White Sox were placed first on the American League Central Division and they seemed they hold on to become
the surprise winners of the league but that did not turn out to be the case as Leyland and company came back from behind in closing stages of the season to clinch the title.
With momentum on their side, the Tigers continued their good work in the American League Divisional Series against the Oakland Athletics and the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees. However, Tigers’ season ended painfully when
they were swept 0-4 in World Series finals against the San Francisco Giants.
“Victor is one of those guys who just has so much appreciation for the game, and he likes to play it so much -- he’s absolutely in hog heaven right now,” manager Jim Leyland said about Victor Martinez. “He really missed it. He’s just thrilled to be back
in uniform and out on the field. He’s like a kid.”
“The Tigers have three right-handed hitters at the top of the lineup followed by a left-handed hitter and a switch hitter. The lineup alternates between right-handed hitters and left-handed hitters at the bottom starting with Dirks in the sixth spot,” said
Chris Iott.
Again, the Tigers will start the season as the favourites to win the World Series finals. In Justin Verlander, Anibal Sanchez and Max Scherzer in the pitching rotation, Tigers certainly have a very strong pitching attack. 2012 American League Most Valuable
Player Miguel Cabrera will lead the batting lineup. Other batters in the lineup include, Prince Fielder (the fourth most expensive player in history of the game), Torii Hunter, Victor Martinez, Alex Avila, Andy Dirks, Omar Infante and Jhonny Peralta.
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