Yoenis Cespedes: 5 Reasons Tigers Need Him Now More Than Ever

People of Detroit are looking for something special to happen.

After getting a taste of the ALCS for the first time in five years during 2011, hopes are very high in Detroit.  While the loss of Martinez for the season is incredibly disheartening, the Tigers still have a very deep lineup that should still be able to secure the AL Central for the second straight year.

One of the big names surrounding the Tigers is Yoenis Cespedes.  While it is hard to determine how he will produce in a major league uniform, there is no doubting that this young man has a very high ceiling and will help any team he decides to play for.

Cespedes brings a variety of elements to any team, and that is the reason the Tigers need to jump at the chance to sign him, now more than ever before.

Here are five reasons why.

Need for Speed

When it comes to the Tigers, there is no doubt that the one true offensive weapon they lack is speed. 

Jim Leyland has made no secret of the fact that he would much rather have a guy who can hit for power over a guy who can run.  "But like I said, I'd rather have a slow guy that can hit than a fast guy that can't," said Leyland. 

Now the Tigers are given a chance to go out and find some speed for their lineup.  There have been recent rumors suggesting that the club is looking at adding the services of former White Sox outfielder Juan Pierre.  While this is not a bad thought, why not take a chance on a guy who is young and has the potential to be a star for many years to come?

Cespedes has the ability to not only hit for power, but he can also run the bases unlike many of the Tigers on the current roster.  The addition of Cespedes would allow Detroit to move Delmon Young to DH and give him a chance to flourish behind Miguel Cabrera. 

Re-Energize the Fan Base

Some fans may admit it, but others won't.  There is some worry setting in on the Motor City.

How do you replace a player like Victor Martinez?  You don't.  While it was unreasonable to assume he would produce the same or better numbers in 2012 than he did in 2011, there is no doubt that he brought a potent bat to the lineup and a great attitude and mentality to the clubhouse. 

So, where does that leave Detroit?

While Detroit has been in the center of many recent rumors when it comes to Cespedes, now is the time they desperately need to pull the trigger. 

The addition of Cespedes to the Tigers would not only bring the fans who worry a bit of security, but it would also give Detroit some fantastic depth in the outfield for many years to come. 

Keep Offense at High Level

There is no doubt that the Tigers have one of the best offenses in the American league.

However, with the recent loss of Martinez, everyone is going to find out how resilient the Tigers really are.  One way to help them bounce back is to bring in the services of Yoenis Cespedes.

During the 2010-2011 season, Cespedes hit .333 with 33 home runs and 99 RBIs.  While he has struggled early this year playing for Aguilas Cibaenas in the Dominican Winter League, there is no doubting that this young man has a ton of potential.

In order to keep their offense humming on a high level, adding Cespedes would be the best possible option.  Not only does that bring an element of speed to the team that only Austin Jackson has been able to provide in recent seasons, but it also allows Leyland to maneuver different people into the all-important DH spot, most specifically Delmon Young.

The addition of Yoenis Cespedes would truly bring a new element to the Tigers franchise, which could be pivotal if they hope to return to the ALCS and beyond.

Improve Outfield

The addition of Yoenis Cespedes to the Tigers would give Detroit one of the most athletic outfields in the entire MLB. 

With Brennan Boesch in right field, Austin Jackson patrolling center field, and Yoenis Cespedes in left field, the amount of speed and defensive ability in the grass of Comerica Park would be nothing short of impressive.

Also, this would allow Delmon Young, who would need a big year to cash in during free agency of 2012 and 2013, to work primarily as a DH.  Young is an impressive hitter and could prosper given this role. 

Bringing Cespedes to Detroit may be expensive, but the results may be well worth it.

Need a Lead-off Hitter

While Austin Jackson fared well as a lead-off hitter in 2010, he was not so successful during 2011. 

Jackson hit .249 with a career high 181 strikeouts in his sophomore season.  While it is reasonable to assume that these numbers will improve during the 2012 campaign, there is no reason to take a chance on putting him primarily in the lead-off spot once again.

If Cespedes is brought to Detroit, he could be given the reigns of the No. 1 hitter.  He brings the same amount of speed that Jackson does, but he also provides less strikeouts and more power to the position.

If for some reason he fails to contribute at the lead-off spot, the Tigers can look to Jackson to see if he cam improve upon last season and move Cespedes down in the order.

Bringing anyone else to Detroit, with the exception of Juan Pierre, forces the Tigers to use Jackson primarily as the lead-off hitter.  While he is excited about improving on his 2011 season, the addition of Cespedes would allow the Tigers to be much more flexible than anyone else.