By Pete Schwichtenberg @schwick26_pete on December 16, 2014
Predicting the Detroit Tigers' 2015 Starting Lineup After Winter Meetings
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If the Detroit Tigers are going to win a title this season, they are going to do it with offense. With the best offensive lineup in years, here's a look at how the Detroit Tigers' lineup will look in 2015.
1. Ian Kinsler
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1. Ian Kinsler
Tommy Gilligan- USA TODAY Sports
As one of the best leadoff hitters in baseball, the Tigers may have gotten the better end of the Prince Fielder trade in Ian Kinsler. He not only finds a way to get on base, but he is one of the best slugging second baseman in the game. With a .275 average in 2014 and 17 home runs, it is hard to find a better option in the leadoff spot.
2. Yoenis Cespedes
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2. Yoenis Cespedes
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It is amazing to think that Yoenis Cespedes is going to be playing for his third team in two seasons. He hit 20-plus homers in each his first three major league seasons playing mainly in one of the most pitcher friendly park in baseball. Batting in front of Miguel Cabrera, he could be the most feared two-hitter in the game.
3. Miguel Cabrera
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3. Miguel Cabrera
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Even though he has dealt with injury for years, Miguel Cabrera is still one of the game's best hitters. He packs some of the best power of the game. With Cespedes in front of him and Martinez behind him, he will be hard to pitch around.
4. Victor Martinez
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4. Victor Martinez
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Last season, Victor Martinez was an offensive Juggernaut . He led the league in on-base percentage and finished second in the MVP voting. He hits for both power and average. By re-signing him this winter, the Tigers are showing that they are playing for now.
5. J.D. Martinez
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5. J.D. Martinez
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Once a top prospect in Houston, J.D. Martinez showed off his skills last season in Detroit batting .315 with 23 home runs. At 27 years old he is entering the prime of his career. In this lineup, his numbers should continue to climb.
6. Nick Castellanos
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6. Nick Castellanos
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Nick Castellanos will turn 23 just before opening day and with a full season under his belt, fans should expect a big season in 2015. Last year as a rookie, he batted .259 with 11 home runs. As he continues to mature, he is expected to develop even more power.
7. Alex Avila
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7. Alex Avila
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Alex Avila was at one point a Silver Slugging-winning catcher, but last season, he had the worst offensive season of his career. He batted .218 with 11 homers and 47 RBIs. With plenty of sluggers in front of him, there is hope that he can return to form at the plate.
8. Jose Iglesias
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8. Jose Iglesias
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While the addition of Cespedes is huge, getting Jose Iglesias back in the lineup may be even more important. Last season, they struggled to fill the position, but having Iglesias back in the lineup should give them stability and a better bat than they had all of last season.
9. Anthony Gose
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9. Anthony Gose
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Last season with the Blue Jays, Anthony Gose bounced around from the majors to the minors. In 94 minor league games, he batted just .226 with two home runs and 15 steals. The Tigers traded one of their best prospects to acquire him this offseason, so he is expected to play from Day 1. If he can deliver, the lineup is dangerous from top to bottom.
Pete Schwichtenberg is a MLB writer for Rantsports. Follow @schwick26_pete, Like him on Facebook, or Add him to your Google Network.