Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland has released his batting order that he plans on using during the 2008 season.  One suprise you will probably see is Miguel Cabrera batting in the 5th spot, but when you have a stacked offense, you are going to have a few suprises like that.

Leyland will use a lineup of: CF Curtis Granderson, 2B Placido Polanco, DH Gary Sheffield, RF Magglio Ordonez, 3B Miguel Cabrera, 1B Carlos Guillen, SS Edgar Renteria, C Ivan Rodriguez and LF Jacque Jones. Marcus Thames is expected to start over Jones versus lefties.

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The Detroit Tigers have re-signed outfielder Marcus Thames to a one year contract for $1.275 million.  I wouldn’t expect much out of Thames right now unless there are injuries in the outfield for the Tigers.  At the most, Thames will be used as a pitcher hitter and platoon with Jacque Jones.  Hell he might even start over Jones as the season goes on.

Another option for the Tigers is to trade Thames and the season goes on.  There were a lot of reports that they have been trying to trade him during the offseason, and I don’t expect those rumors to go away.

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