2009 Tigers Lineup

[Rangers]

Since our rotation is so ugly looking at this point, and we've only made it worse with the latest trade, let's focus on the positive and take a look at the Detroit lineup with the Reyes acquisition. Hermida did not endear himself to the Tigers franchise in 2008, but he still has a spot...for now.

1. Jose Reyes (SH) - SS
2. Matt Holliday (RH) - LF
3. Chase Utley (LH) - 2B
4. Miguel Cabrera (RH) - 1B
5. Prince Fielder (LH) - DH
6. Matt Wieters (SH) - C
7. Alex Gordon (LH) - 3B
8. Chris Young (RH) - CF
9. Jeremy Hermida (LH) - RF

Reyes adds an element that the Tigers have really never had, and Wieters' and his ability to switch hit allows some extra versatility for the lineup (the lineup can feature six LHB against RHP and five RHB against LHP). While the top five are all bonafide stars, there is still plenty of growth possible - and needed - from the bottom four in the lineup.

Reyes also should benefit the pitching staff, as he and Utley will form one of the better defensive middle infields, and with Young in CF, the middle of the diamond should get to a lot of balls. Gordon and Cabrera maturing into quality defenders at the infield corners would be a nice plus.

The entire bench is comprised of prospects at this point:

Luke Hughes - 2B/3B/LF
Leonard Davis - 2B/3B/LF
Tyler Flowers - C/1B
James Skelton - C
Carlos Rivero - SS