Leyland sets tentative lineup; Delmon Young likely to DH some

Detroit — Prince Fielder's arrival in Detroit gives the Tigers one of the most-potent offenses in the major leagues.

And on Thursday at Comerica Park during Fielder's introductory news conference, Tigers manager Jim Leyland made it no secret how excited he is with the pieces he's been handed.

Here's how Leyland anticipates the lineup shaking out:

1. Austin Jackson, CF

2. Brennan Boesch, RF

3. Miguel Cabrera, 3B

4. Prince Fielder, 1B

5. Delmon Young, DH/OF

6. Alex Avila, C

7. Jhonny Peralta, SS

8. Andy Dirks/Don Kelly/Clete Thomas, LF/DH

9. Ryan Raburn, 2B

"It's pretty hard to mess that one up," Leyland said.

Delmon Young has expressed an aversion to being a designated hitter, but that might change with the acquisition of Fielder.

Brandon Inge's role will be decreased, Leyland confirmed. The Tigers manager spoke to Inge recently. "He's not the happiest camper, but he certainly understands," Leyland said.

Inge still could see some starts at third base, on days Cabrera DHs or plays first or during games when Leyland decides to use Fielder at DH.

But Leyland made it clear the Tigers have no plans to use Inge as a defensive replacement late in games for Cabrera. It's too valuable a bat to take out of the lineup.

Leyland also addressed the team's lack of speed. The Tigers were slow last year. And Fielder, of course, is no world-class sprinter. Leyland shrugged the issue off, though, as he has all winter.

"If they hit them where they're supposed to hit them, they can trot," Leyland said, laughing. "So I am not concerned about that as everybody else."

tpaul@detnews.com

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