Detroit Tigers: What Will Santa Paws Bring

On the Eve of Christmas, the Detroit Tigers are nestled far away from their favorite dugout at 2100 Woodward Ave. But, Santa Paws will be busy delivering gifts to the players who have been both naughty and nice. What do we, the fans, hope that Santa Paws will bring to Tigers players near and far?

Victor Martinez: The ability to play out the rest of his contract and more. There is something about a big hit from V-Mart. Hopefully, he will be hitting well into 2018.

Apr 17, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias (1) receives congratulations from second baseman Ian Kinsler (3) third baseman Nick Castellanos (9) Andrew Romine (27) and Justin Verlander after he hits a game winning hits an RBI single in the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park. Detroit won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Ian Kinsler: A consistent shortstop. When Kinsler and Jose Iglesias are in sync, they are a regular part of the television highlight reel. But, Iglesias seems to not be the everyday player that “Everyday Ian” is.

Miguel Cabrera: A consistent #4 hitter. The best hitter in baseball needs to be consistently followed by the second best hitter on the team. In 2015, the clean-up hitter was not as powerful as previous seasons. Whether that hitter is Victor or J.D. Martinez has yet to be determined. Let’s see if Santa Paws can bring one that will consistently protect the Big Man.

Jose Iglesias: Bones of steel and a good eye. Iglesias was a surprise at the plate in 2015, but his fragile body kept him away from the game too often. As a young player, he can ask for two gifts from Santa – bones that will no longer fracture so easily and a hot eye for the perfect pitch.

Aug 19, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Tigers third baseman Nick Castellanos flips his bat after hitting a grand slam against the Chicago Cubs during the third inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Castellanos: More opportunities to flip the bat. There is no doubt that Castellanos is a force at the plate. His 15 home runs in 2015 proved it. Wouldn’t 30 be a nice number in 2016?

James McCann: Another error-free year. No more. No less.

J.D. Martinez: A big thank you from all the Tigers fans for keeping it interesting in 2015. And, a nice cushy contract from Mr. Ilitch so he can be a Tiger for a long, long time.

Anthony Gose: The ability to hit right-handed pitching. This way, he can play centerfield all of the time.

Jun 30, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez (19) kisses the ball before the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Left field in Comerica Park: Yoenis Cespedes or Alex Gordon.

Justin Verlander: The title “The Most Interesting Man in Baseball” because the guy just seems to be everywhere having the time of his life.

Anibal Sanchez: His mojo. He lost it in 2015. It’s out there somewhere and hopefully, Santa Paws can bring it back.

Daniel Norris: All the parts he needs to keep his VW Bus running smoothly.

Next: Eyebrow-raising Detroit Tigers Transactions

And, for all the rest of the Detroit Tigers, their families, and all the fans, have a happy and healthy holiday season.