1. Austin Jackson, CF; 2. Omar Infante, 2B, 3. Miguel Cabrera, 3B; 4. Prince Fielder, 1B; 5. Andy Dirks, LF; 6. Jhonny Peralta, SS; 7. Alex Avila, C; 8. Jeff Baker, DH; 9. Quintin Berry RF.
A few things:
- The Tigers have more viable options now since their recent roster moves. They don't have play slumping players in what is essentially a 4-player corner outfield/DH platoon.
- Infante is an ideal two-hole hitter because he loves fastballs, and that's mostly what he will see hitting in front of Michael Cabrera. He also hits a lot behind the runner. He easily has the best major league track record among the hitters that are candidates for that spot.
- Dirks has hit well this season, including presenting a .958 OPS and a .370 batting average against right-handed pitching. Put him a spot where he might be able to drive in some runs.
- Brennan Boesch has had a good six weeks overall statistically, but his most recent four at bats the last two games have been disturbing. He's seen four pitches in four at bats, and has essentially gotten himself out in key situations. Quintin Berry hasn't exactly been Tony Gwynn lately, but he can work a walk (Twins starting pitcher, right-hander Samuel Deduno, has walked 22 in 25 innings). Berry's struggling start against the Yankees last week aside, he displayed enough earlier where its feasible he can provide production offensively with some base hits and his speed.
- Jeff Baker is a solid professional hitter. Give him a shot this one night to see what he can do against right-handed pitching. Like Boesch, Delmon Young goes incredibly hot and cold. The Tigers see a left-handed starter Tuesday. So both Young and Baker will be in the lineup then.