MCB Roundtable–Possible 2015 Detroit Tigers Lineups

Mar 18, 2014; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler (3) crosses home plate in the fifth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in a spring training exhibition game at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

We are approaching Spring Training which is a good thing for a number of reasons.

More from Motor City Bengals

• Detroit Tigers: Victor Reyes finding ways to get the job done
• The Detroit Tigers must cut their losses and release Jonathan Schoop
• Detroit Tigers: Garrett Hill’s new role and changed delivery are excellent
• Detroit Tigers: Joe Jiménez has rebounded in 2022
• Detroit Tigers: Is it finally time to move the fences in at Comerica Park?

First, of course, its good for baseball fans’ sanity. Certainly Hot Stove action is fun and rumors are great to bandy about, but its no substitute for actual games.

So to warm you up on this cold winter day and remind you that Detroit Tigers baseball is not very far away, we turn our attention to the lineup.

Picking a lineup in January is akin to predicting NFL draft picks the day after the Super Bowl is over, but people write them and many many people read them. It’s good for a debate and keeps everyone engaged and excited about upcoming events.

We gathered the staff of Motor City Bengals and presented them with a simple task, create your perfect Opening Day lineup. Some of us took the extra mile and sent a lineup for left and right handed pitching, but others picked what we think will offer the Tigers’ the best chance to win on a daily basis throughout the upcoming 162-game season.

First up is Dan Byrne ‘s lineup.

1. Anthony Gose-CF
2. Ian Kinsler-2B
3. Miguel Cabrera-1B
4. Victor Martinez-DH
5. Yoenis Cespedes-LF
6. J.D. Martinez-RF
7. Nick Castellanos-3B
8. James McCann-C
9. Jose Iglesias-SS

My lineup chose Gose over Rajai Davis because of the edge defensively. Kinsler could benefit from more fastballs to improve at the plate in 2015. I would not take Miggy and V-Mart away from where they had success in 2014 but push down J.D. Mart because it will balance out a little more speed after the power hitters. I am also a little leery of J.D. Mart not repeating his success of a year ago.

We can’t count on Castellanos higher in the order until he learns how to discipline himself against MLB pitchers. Alex Avila has shown that he won’t hit or won’t be able to hit so McCann should get the majority of the work behind the plate and Iglesias rounds up the lineup because someone has to bat last and his speed will help the top of the lineup.