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Spring Training Prediction Of Detroit Tigers’ 2016 Opening Day Lineup

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Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

In a little more than three weeks, the Detroit Tigers will visit south Florida to take on the Miami Marlins on Opening Day. Here is a spring training prediction of how the Tigers’ starting lineup might look.

1. Ian Kinsler, 2B

Ian Kinsler, 2B Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Now entering his third season with Detroit, Ian Kinsler may no longer have the type of power he showed in his younger days with the Texas Rangers, but he remains an excellent ballplayer on both sides of the ball. He is coming off of a season in which he slashed a solid .296/.342/.428 and should be a great leadoff option for the Tigers in 2016.

Now entering his third season with Detroit, Ian Kinsler may no longer have the type of power he showed in his younger days with the Texas Rangers, but he remains an excellent ballplayer on both sides of the ball. He is coming off of a season in which he slashed a solid .296/.342/.428 and should be a great leadoff option for the Tigers in 2016.

2. Justin Upton, LF

Justin Upton, LF Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Signed to a reported six-year, $132.75 million deal over the offseason, Justin Upton should be a terrific addition to Detroit's lineup in 2016. He may strike out a bit more than one would prefer, but his .352 career on-base percentage should still make him a solid option out of the No. 2 spot.

Signed to a reported six-year, $132.75 million deal over the offseason, Justin Upton should be a terrific addition to Detroit's lineup in 2016. He may strike out a bit more than one would prefer, but his .352 career on-base percentage should still make him a solid option out of the No. 2 spot.

3. Miguel Cabrera, 3B

Miguel Cabrera, 3B Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Fresh off of his fourth batting title in five years, Miguel Cabrera is still considered by many to be the best hitter in MLB as he gets set to enter his age-33 season. Since the Tigers will open against the Marlins in a National League park and will therefore be without the designated hitter, Cabrera moving across the diamond from first to third might give the team its best offensive lineup.

Fresh off of his fourth batting title in five years, Miguel Cabrera is still considered by many to be the best hitter in MLB as he gets set to enter his age-33 season. Since the Tigers will open against the Marlins in a National League park and will therefore be without the designated hitter, Cabrera moving across the diamond from first to third might give the team its best offensive lineup.

4. Victor Martinez, 1B

Victor Martinez, 1B Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
After suffering another offseason knee injury and going on to have a very rough 2015 campaign, the now 37-year-old Victor Martinez is hitting .348 with two homers in 23 spring training at-bats this year and could be poised for a big-time rebound. Cabrera moving to third would open up first base for Martinez, who is normally the Tigers' DH.

After suffering another offseason knee injury and going on to have a very rough 2015 campaign, the now 37-year-old Victor Martinez is hitting .348 with two homers in 23 spring training at-bats this year and could be poised for a big-time rebound. Cabrera moving to third would open up first base for Martinez, who is normally the Tigers' DH.

5. J.D. Martinez, RF

J.D. Martinez, RF Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
After coming out of nowhere and having a breakout season in 2014, J.D. Martinez proved that he was anything but a one-year wonder last year, leading the Tigers with 38 home runs and 102 RBIs. He should be a formidable presence in the middle of Detroit's order once again in 2016.

After coming out of nowhere and having a breakout season in 2014, J.D. Martinez proved that he was anything but a one-year wonder last year, leading the Tigers with 38 home runs and 102 RBIs. He should be a formidable presence in the middle of Detroit's order once again in 2016.

6. James McCann, C

James McCann, C Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
During his rookie season last year, James McCann rightfully drew plenty of praise for his defense, but he was also pretty good with the bat, hitting .264 with seven homers. Still yet to turn 26 years old, McCann has plenty of time to continue growing as a hitter as well.

During his rookie season last year, James McCann rightfully drew plenty of praise for his defense, but he was also pretty good with the bat, hitting .264 with seven homers. Still yet to turn 26 years old, McCann has plenty of time to continue growing as a hitter as well.

7. Anthony Gose, CF

Anthony Gose, CF Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
In his first season with the Tigers last year, Anthony Gose hit a respectable .254/.321/.367 with five homers. With Cameron Maybin currently sidelined with a wrist injury, Gose appears primed to get the majority of the reps in center field to start the season.

In his first season with the Tigers last year, Anthony Gose hit a respectable .254/.321/.367 with five homers. With Cameron Maybin currently sidelined with a wrist injury, Gose appears primed to get the majority of the reps in center field to start the season.

8. Jose Iglesias, SS

Jose Iglesias, SS Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Through 120 games last year, shortstop Jose Iglesias shined on defense and hit an even .300 at the plate. Iglesias certainly has the skills to bat first or second, but he also slots in nicely at the bottom of the order.

Through 120 games last year, shortstop Jose Iglesias shined on defense and hit an even .300 at the plate. Iglesias certainly has the skills to bat first or second, but he also slots in nicely at the bottom of the order.

9. Justin Verlander, P

Justin Verlander, P Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Although his string of seven consecutive opening day starts was snapped last season, Justin Verlander appears quite likely to get the nod this time around, and manager Brad Ausmus has reportedly said as much. Verlander posted a 2.80 ERA in the second half of last season and looked very much like an ace once again.

Although his string of seven consecutive opening day starts was snapped last season, Justin Verlander appears quite likely to get the nod this time around, and manager Brad Ausmus has reportedly said as much. Verlander posted a 2.80 ERA in the second half of last season and looked very much like an ace once again.

Brad Faber is a writer for RantSports. Like him on Facebook.
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