In a shift that no one saw coming the Tiger’s have announced a huge
season changing move of CARLOS GUILLEN to second base!!
As we disected this change it became very apparent to us that this
action might be just what the doctor ordered for Jim Leyland’s lineup.
At the present time they have solid starters at the one through six spots
in JACKSON, DAMON, ORDONEZ, CABRERA, BOESCH and INGE. Now here
comes the switch hitting clutch bat of GUILLEN into the mix. WOW!
It’s perfect. CARLOS started his career at second (a point that we certainly were
not aware of) and now will fit in perfectly. Actually he’s anxious to get back
there because of the shorter throw, thus enabeling him to probably perform
better than he has at other positions. This move thus will not weaken our
defense. It could easily strenghen it with the experience and calmness that
GUILLEN always brings to the table.
And, then there’s his bat. That’s what intrigues us most. Against right handed
pitchers Leyland can run five legitimate left handed bats up to the plate.
With DAMON leading the way you have BOESCH, AVILLA, SANTIAGO and GUILLEN
following right behind with KELLY in reserve. All five of these hitters can reach
the seats in right. Nice, ehhhh?
Now here’s your homework. With Carlos moving back into the picture MAKE OUT
THE NEW LINEUP. There’s all kinds of possibilities for LEYLAND. All pleasurable.
As your making out your lineup remember that GUILLEN could hit in the second
or third or fifth holes very nicely. LEYLAND loves this kind of manueverability.
Our guess is that GUILLEN will move back to the 5th spot with BOESCH and
INGE moving one down. Jim might do this to take some of the pressure off of the
rookies shoulders. HAVE FUN and let us know your new lineup.
filed on 5-17-10 by bobby hoeft, publisher and founder of the EXCLUSIVE TIGER
QUARTERLY; when baseball was fun.
