By Justin Cousineau
In Play Magazine
Spring training is underway and its time for everyone to breakdown the players. Everyone would like to think they know what's best for their favorite teams lineup but when reality hits it's what the manager says goes.
When you look at a player like Alfonso Soriano you think lead off hitter for the Chicago Cubs. This may have been the case in the past but manager Lou Pinella had change on his mind while is lead off hitter was batting a rough .241 avg last season.
Last season Pinella put Soriano in the sixth spot and that will be his home for the 2010 season as well.
With the Tigers lacking from production from certain individuals last season like the Cubs were I'm curious to see how Jim Leyland will fill his batters card.
Curtis Granderson is gone which leaves the lead off spot open but could already be filled with Austin Jackson. I can't argue with the decision for spring training, but at the same time I won't agree with it. It's easy for us to wait for failure and say, "I knew he shouldn't have been there." Or if Jackson starts batting consistent and for average we'll say, "I knew he was the guy."
I'd like to see Johnny Damon fill that spot with his ability to hit home runs, doubles and steal bases. He's a consistent player on both sides of the ball and a fan favorite where ever he goes. That being said Jackson could learn a lot from Damon and help use his youthfulness to get on base and let Magglio Ordonez and Miguel Cabrera do their job.
When looking at the first five players on the Tiger roster the top half of the lineup can do really well as long as everyone plays their role and stays healthy.
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