My Predictions for the 2012 Detroit Tigers Opening Day Roster

The 2012 Tigers are already being talked about as one of the best teams in baseball ... on paper. With the addition of Prince Fielder and the return of heralded stars such as Miguel Cabrera, Justin Verlander, and Alex Avila, the Tigers look to return to the ALCS, where last year they lost in 6 games to the Rangers. This year there are three final spots of which several players are vying for. Those three spots are the final bullpen spot, the 5th starter position, and also the final OF and IF spot. Without further ado, here are my predictions for the 2012 Detroit Tigers Roster.

Catchers (2)- Alex Avila, Gerald Laird: Avila will return as the starter with Laird newly signed and returning to the Tigers to fulfill backup duties after a season with the champion St. Louis Cardinals.

Infielders (5)- Prince Fielder, Miguel Cabrera, Jhonny Peralta, Ramon Santiago, Danny Worth: Fielder, Cabrera, and Peralta will play at first, third, and shortstop respectively. Fresh off a new two-year deal, Santiago is in the running for the 2b job due to his slick fielding and great glove. This spring, Danny Worth has beat out Brandon Inge for that final spot. He has outhit, outplayed, and all around outperformed Inge.  The only reason I could make for Inge to be on the team is the loyalty factor that we often see with Dave Dombrowski. If the team is picked by skill and impact, then no questions asked, Worth should get that final infield spot.

Outfielders (4)- Delmon Young, Austin Jackson, Brennan Boesch, Quintin Berry: Delmon Young returns this year after being brought over in a late season trade with the Minnesota Twins. In the postseason he had 5 home runs and was a great addition to the middle of the lineup. Austin Jackson looks to cut down on his strikeout totals where he averaged just over a strikeout per game.  Jackson makes up for it with his gold glove caliber play in center, but must step up if he wants to lock down the leadoff spot in Leyland's everyday lineup.  Boesch comes back after suffering a wrist injury late in the season that prevented him from playing in the postseason. Look for him to have a breakout year at the plate, and batting in the 2 slot. Berry is a much more intriguing character. A non roster invitee, the kid has flat out been one of the most consistent players all spring.  With his glove, his speed, and his timely hitting he has been somewhat of a savior for the Tigs this Spring. When it comes down to it Berry can have the most impact out of he, Andy Dirks and Clete Thomas. He can go out there 1-2 times a week and give you something that you have lacked and that is speed on the basepaths.

Utility (2) - Ryan Raburn, Don Kelly: These spots are pretty easy to predict.  Both players can play almost anywhere and are just all around good baseball players and even nicer guys in the community. Not too mention, Mr. Kelly isn't too shabby of a pitcher when you need him either!

Starters (5) - Justin Verlander, Doug Fister, Max Scherzer, Rick Porcello, Drew Smyly: The first four are set in stone with the top 3 all having the ability to be complete aces. Rick Porcello continues to improve and develop a great sinker.  I have Smyly beating out Duane Below and Andy Oliver for that 5th spot.  Not only is Smyly a lefty, but out of the three, he has the best arsenal of pitches and has experience with Team USA this past summer. The kid is only in his very early 20's but seems to have the makeup of a great pitcher for many years to come.

Relievers (7) - Jose Valverde, Phil Coke, Joaquin Benoit, Octavio Dotel, Colin Balester, Al Alburquerque, Luis Marte: Valverde returns as your closer with Coke the late inning lefty and the newly signed Dotel as your 7th inning guy and Benoit in the 8th. Balester, an acquisition from the Nationals this offseason is your long reliever, and a guy with great stuff and quite the character on Twitter as well. Al Alburquerque looks to return to his dominant form this season after being a sensation last season with his eye popping strikeout numbers. Marte, in my eyes, will win that final spot. The kid throws 95-98 mph and has a great off speed pitch in his breaking ball and curveball.

These, ladies and gentlemen, are my predictions for your 2012 Detroit Tigers Opening Day Roster! Tough to pick with so many roster battles but nonetheless it is how I see Leyland setting up his team!  Feel free to chime in with your predictions on the roster and give some feedback in the comments.  Here's to a great summer of baseball down on Woodward Ave... GO TIGERS!