OT/....One of baseballs greatest teams?...Detroit Tigers

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Posted By: Joe G.

I’m not going to get into argument here, just show my support for the recent trades. I, like Dan, am excited for this upcoming season; I too renewed my seats. The Tiger’s offense is going to be something to see. Most everyone is focusing on just Cabrera, forgetting about our other two substantial pick-ups, Renteria & Jones (Jacque Jones). They allow the Tigers to redistribute their talent such that our DH may become the “weakest” bat although I really think Shef will rebound with a healthy shoulder. He spent half of last season with a slow swing due to his injury, committing to pitches he would normally lay off.

Consider the following Starting line-up with last years Batting Averages (all of which could repeat or even improve with the better talent top to bottom). Listed from highest batting average to lowest (MLB rank):

Magglio Ordonez (RF): .363 (1st)
Placido Polanco (2B): .341 (3rd)
Edgar Renteria (SS): .332 (8th) - w Braves last year
Miguel Cabrera (3B): .320 (17th) - w Marlins last year
Curtis Granderson (CF): .302 (32nd)
Carlos Guillen (1B): .296 (43rd)
Jacque Jones (LF): .285 (80th) - w Cubs last year
Ivan Rodriguez (C): .281 (85th)
Gary Sheffield (DH): .265 (125th) - however, led team in walks (.378 OBP)

Keep in mind there are 30 MLB teams, so on average, the best player on any given team should place in the top 30, the 2nd in the top 60, the 3rd in the top 90 etc. The Tigers are loaded, there will be some very high scoring games. I suspect I’ll be getting a lot of free haircuts from Lady Janes (free haircuts the day after a 10 run game the Tigers win if you can produce a game ticket).

The pitching is the big question with plenty of outside factors, most notably injury (so no projections from me). Time will tell, but with better than an average BA of .310 from your starting 9, I like our chances.

Best Regards,
Joe Gonsowski