A Breakdown Of One Of The More Interesting Detroit Tigers' Lineups In 2009

The change in the lineup came in the same wind of Curtis Granderson struggling at the plate.

Since Sunday, August 16th, Granderson went 0-for-12 with seven strikeouts.

As a result, manager Jim Leyland decided to sit Curtis for a game or so, although he is normally an everyday player.

Here is the lineup that the Detroit Tigers will have against the Mariners on Aug. 20:

1. Placido Polanco, 2B

An everyday two-hole hitter gets moved into the leadoff role with the sitting of Granderson. But hey, it's not all that bad. Polanco is .303 lifetime hitter in the leadoff spot.

2. Marcus Thames, DH

A normal, middle-of-the-order guy gets slotted in the two-hole, a spot normally for the best contact hitter in the lineup. In this instince, it looks bad for Detroit...but wait, again, Thames hits .283 in the second spot in the order, well above his career batting average at .242. Huh.

3. Ryan Raburn, LF

Mr. Utility will hit third in the lineup. What? This one dosen't make sense. In Augusts throughout his career, when he's playing left field and hitting third, he only hits .243. Maybe Leyland can explain this one at a later date.

4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B

No question here. .334 average, 24 home runs, and 72 runs batted in don't lie.

5. Magglio Ordonez, RF

Another no-brainer. Since struggling earlier in the season, Maggs has really heated up. Last night versus Seattle, he had three of the Tigers' six hits.

6. Brandon Inge, 3B

Inge has really had a rough time at the dish since the All-Star break, including an 0-for-11 slump right now since his walk-off versus the Royals. In the sixth spot, Inge hits .232 lifetime.

7. Clete Thomas, CF

Let's swap Inge and Thomas. Clete hits just .233 in the seventh spot, but in the sixth spot he absolutely rakes, hitting .381 in 21 at bats.

8. Gerald Laird, C

A big dip in offensive production from Alex Avila, but his defensive skills are undeniable. No question this is where he needs to hit.

9. Adam Everett, SS

Again, a bit less of a hitter then Ramon Santiago, but his defense exceeds all others in the infield.

There you have it: The Aug. 20, 2009, Detroit Tigers lineup against the Seattle Mariners. Let's just pray it works, because it's a bit different.