[Nick Soulis]

DETROIT TIGERS

Detroit Tigers (8670-8461 W-L, 1901 - 2011) - 4 World Championships, 10 Pennants, and 12 Playoff Appearances

Ball Park - Tiger Stadium

Manager: Jim Leyland

C	Lance Parrish	Bill Freehan
1B	Hank Greenberg	Norm Cash
2B	Charlie Gehringer	Lou Whitaker
3B	Miguel Cabrera	George Kell
SS	Allan Trammel	Harvey Kuenn
OF	Ty Cobb	Sam Crawford
OF	Al Kaline
OF	Kirk Gibson	Darrell Evans
DH	Harry Heilman	Cecil Fielder
SP	Denny McLain
SP	Hal Newhouser
SP	Mickey Lolich
SP	Jack Morris	Jim Bunning
CL	Willie Hernandez

Catchers - Both these guys know how to win and put the team first. Lance Parrish has the inside track on the starting job due to his power and offensive advatage. The other star is Bill Freehan who has 200 home runs of his own and has caught the most games in team history. The job will be determined this spring but both men will play a part this year and the position shouldnt be a problem for Jim Leyland and his staff.

First Base - Hank Greenberg is a class act all around but his play on the field will always be remembered by Tiger fans. Greenberg will be the power source in this lineup and will likely have a ton of hitters on ahead of him. Norm Cash will look for atbats where he can get them since his bat is too good to keep out. Cash has power as well and brings a competent glove to the position.

Second Base - Hall of Famer Charlie Gehringer is an outstanding all around player who will likely bat at the top of the lineup and set the table for this team. Gehringer is a patient hitter who can lay down the bunt and keep his average up or near .320. Sweet Lou Whitaker will be the backup and will be a nice option as a pinch hitter to go to late when those tight games need a spark.

Short Stop - The Tigers are happy to have the talents of Alan Trammel at the position of short. Trammel is the stamp of consistency and makes the most of his smarts and heart to help his team; Trammel is just the kind of player you are happy to have on your team. Harvey Kuenn will be a utility man on this roster and is another smart por man's Trammel.

Third Base - Two stars lie in wait at third base. The Tigers will move Miguel Cabrera to the position and will sacrafice some defense to keep the impressive bat in the lineup. Cabrera can hit with anyone and will be placed in the middle of the lineup. George Kell may be seen as a defensive replacement but Kell is a solid hitter in his own right and some say he should be the outright starter. In any event the Tigers will get production out of this position.

Outfield - Even though he was despised by many, few can argue that Ty Cobb was likely the best player to have played the game. Cobb brings it all to this team and can take a game over with his style and baseball IQ. Cobb is the favorite to win the batting title and has the highest lifetime average in history. Al Kaline is likely more beloved then almost any Tiger and his consistent play will maybe be overlooked on this team, but not by his coaches ir teamates. The final outfield spot is expected to be filled by Kirk Gibson. Gibby doesnt have the stats that others do but maybe no player plays bigger at the right time. Gibson is said to be a great fit with Cobb and will help the Tigers play a certain hard nosed type of game. Sam Crawford will test Gibson for the position as Crawford is from another era but has Hall of Fame credentials. Darrell Evans can play third or the outfield and had some great years in Detroit.

Designated Hitter - Anyway you look at it Harry Heilman will be in this lineup. Heilman has outstanding numbers including over 540 doubles and truly may be one of the most underated stars in the history of the game. He can also fill in the outfield spots and Kell or Cash can also play here. Cecil Fielder was also in consideration for this spot but likely wont make the roster.

Starting Pitching - Denny McLain is the ace and pitched in an era when pitching dominated baseball. McLain was a 30 game winner and lead the Tigers to a title. Hal Newhouser knows something about winning as well and will take the ball and go deep into games everytime. Mickey Lolich was a part of the Tiger rotation for more then a decade and allows this rotation to boast an impressive top three. The final spot in the rotation should belong to the true grit of Jack Morris. Morris may not have the best numbers in the world, but anyone who knows him loves him as a teamate and competitor. If Morris struggles Jim Bunning is ready to step right in.

Closer - The search for a closer is not an easy one for the Tigers as the bullpen as a whole isnt great. Willie Hernandez has a Cy Young to his name and will get the look as the man. Hernandez can go more then one inning if needed.

Spring Training Battles
Miguel Cabrera vs George Kell (Third base)
Kirk Gibson vs Sam Crawford (Outfield)

Cooperstown Rating
Offense - A-
Defense - C
Starting pitching - B+
Bullpen - D
Prediction - 81-81

Quick word with Jim Leyland
"You dont have to worry about Cobb. He wants to win more then anyone."