Detroit Tigers: 20 Best Hitters in the Last 30 Years

Aug 8, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers former player Placido Polanco is honored before the game against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

16. Placido Polanco

Polanco was added to the Detroit Tigers midway through the 2005 season. The Phillies exchanged him for a pair of players so Chase Utley did not have to platoon the middle infield with Polanco. Fortunately for the Tigers, Polanco played his best baseball in Detroit averaging .311 in his five years with the team. His best year was 2007, when he received a Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, and a spot on the All-Star team. He also received votes from some of the BBWAA for the AL MVP award.

Polanco quickly became a favorite Tiger with his ability to play aggressively, but cleanly. He was the MVP of the ALCS in 2006. Despite his glory during the ALCS, he was a no-show at the plate in the World Series. During his 2007 All-Star season, he was error-free in 144 games at second base.

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