Detroit Tigers: Five Questions Still to be Answered
By Matt Snyder
Is The Starting Lineup Too Right-Handed Heavy?
The signing of Justin Upton was a heralded move to shore up the outfield and lineup, but it ensured that no fewer than seven everyday players (if not eight) will hit from the right-handed batter’s box.
The current everyday lineup will consist of catcher James McCann (R), first baseman Miguel Cabrera (R), second baseman Ian Kinsler (R), shortstop Jose Iglesias (R), third baseman Nick Castellanos (R), left fielder Justin Upton (R), and right fielder J.D. Martinez (R).
Center field will either be Cameron Maybin (R) on most days or a platoon with Anthony Gose (L). The designated hitter will be Victor Martinez (S), who looks like the only non-right-handed hitter that’s also a sure-fire everyday option.
The good news is that the Tigers will absolutely demolish left-handed pitching. The bad news is that most pitchers in major league baseball are right-handed.
Will right-handers stymie the Tigers all season, or will their big-name bats overcome the ample platoon disadvantage they’ll face on most nights?
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Will opposing teams be able to game plan against the Tigers by shuffling rotations or turning to tough right-handed relievers earlier in games than they might otherwise? Would handedness become an overwhelming obstacle come playoff time when teams can better plan their pitching staffs?