Part two of the preview of the Detroit Tigers, features the middle infield for the Tigers. Shortstop Jhonny Peralta is the star of the middle infield, making the allstar team last year in his full season with the Tigers. In 146 games, Peralta battled just under .300 and had his second highest OPS at .824. He tailed off near the end of the season and did not hit well in the playoffs. Peralta is 30 years old and still in his prime and should continue his pace from the last two seasons. With Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera in the lineup, everyone including Peralta will benefit. Peralta’s fielding is stellar as well only committing seven errors.
Peralta’s tag team partner in the infield is Ramon Santiago, for now. Santiago is more suited for a utility infielder spot as he can and has played SS and 2B. However, last season in the run to the playoffs Santiago was the primary starter in the run for the playoffs. He signed a two year deal in November and he will get atleast a time share at 2B. Santiago has a solid glove and very good defensive skills, but I was impressed with his hitting in the playoffs hitting .289. Santiago likely will have the chance to start on opening day, but second base is the biggest question mark on the team, and team President / General Manager stated that “We are set to open with Santiago and Raburn” (in an email to MLB.com)
Ryan Raburn is three years younger than Santiago and is the other player at second base. Raburn came on in August and September hitting .323 and .383 respectively. Raburn also started a number of games in the outfield. His hitting statistics in the first ½ of the year were nothing to write home. After the allstar as stated, he hit very well. Raburn could be the odd man out depending on what the Tigers decide to do on a go forward basis, but his numbers in the 2nd half of the season would mean to me that the Tigers will likely start with him on the team to begin the season.
Any questions or comments feel free to tweet me @MikeDale2010 or email me at sportschanting@gmail.com