Detroit Tigers: Best Second Baseman Since 2000

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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 /

2. Placido Polanco

Acquired from the Phillies in June of 2005 for Ramon Martinez and Ugueth Urbina, Polanco was one of the catalysts for the 2006 World Series team. He was also one of the main reasons Detroit returned to prominence in the baseball world.

The second baseman was the perfect complement to Curtis Granderson at the top of the order. Polanco hit second and provided a high batting average and an extremely low strikeout rate. During his time with the Detroit Tigers, the 16-year veteran hit a blistering .311, including a stellar .341 clip in 2007.

What’s more, from 2006 to 2009, the veteran struck out a total of 146 times. By comparison, J.D. Martinez had 178 punch outs just last season.

In addition to being a good hitter and a tough out, Polanco also contributed in other offensive categories. He averaged 84 runs scored, 62 RBI, 30 doubles, eight home runs, six stolen bases and three triples per year from 2006 to 2009. The second baseman earned a Silver Slugger for his efforts in 2007.

Last but not least, Polanco had significant value in the field. He won a pair of Gold Gloves with the Tigers and posted a 5.4 dWAR. His overall WAR in Motown was 19.1.

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