MCB Roundtable–Possible 2015 Detroit Tigers Lineups

Aug 24, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) is welcomed back to the dug out after scoring during the third inning against the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Next up, Blair Tatrault.

1. Anthony Gose/Rajai Davis (CF-8)
2. Ian Kinsler (2B-4)
3. Miguel Cabrera (1B-3)
4. Victor Martinez (DH)
5. J.D. Martinez (RF-9)
6. Yoenis Cespedes (LF-7)
7. Alex Avila (C-2)
8. Nick Castellanos (3B-5)
9. Jose Iglesias (SS-6)
   David Price-P

Based on the fact that neither Gose nor Davis hits same-handed pitching very well (Gose is particularly weak against left-handers), they’ll probably be in a strict platoon arrangement, at least until Gose shows improvement against lefties.

Though neither is an ideal leadoff hitter, they do bring a considerable amount of speed to the top of the line-up, and the platoon arrangement should maximize their on-base percentage.

Likewise, Kinsler is not the perfect two slot guy, especially if he performs at last year’s second half level. Ideally you would like a high OBP guy hitting in front of Cabrera and the Martinez’s, but since no one fits that profile, Kinsler will hit second by default.

Three through six is obvious, unless you want to swap J.D. Martinez and Cespedes. I like J.D. hitting fifth because it worked beautifully last year and Cespedes gets on base less frequently.

Avila hits seventh to break up the string of right-handers in front of him.

Castellanos drops to eight in the order because the lineup is stronger this year with Cespedes in front of him.

Iglesias will fit nicely in the nine slot. He’ll need time to re-acclimate to major league pitching after missing all of last year, and his speed will dovetail nicely with top of the line-up.