Motown just received Jose Iglesias, who is a .300 hitter in 2013, and every Detroit Tiger fan should be excited. Everybody in the organization feels relieved as well, except Jhonny Peralta, who is facing a 50-game suspension following Biogenesis allegations.
MLB is expected to suspend players at least 50 games. The only one in the pack who might receive more time is Alex Rodriguez because he plans on appealing, which would ultimately mean the end of his career in baseball. However, for now, let's stick to the Tigers, Peralta and Iglesias.
Iglesias has 70 hits in 212 at bats this season. He has one home run, 19 RBI, three stolen bases and finds a way to get on base 38 percent of the time. He is speedy, collecting 24 infield hits this season. This is good news for the Tigers, who can now play around with their batting order.
If Peralta gets suspended, the Tigers should be fine. Iglesias will take over shortstop and he could also hit second in the lineup. Torii Hunter has been the regular in the two hole, but he could become the Tigers' regular hitting sixth. Peralta has played 67 games in the sixth spot in the lineup. Iglesias is a typical top of the guy lineup due to his ability to get on base. Placing him sixth or seventh would be pointless. Imagine Austin Jackson and Iglesias back-to-back in a lineup, hitting in front of Miguel Cabrera? It will be scary for opposing pitchers. Hunter makes contact and has some pop, which is perfect for the sixth hole and if Martinez struggles, Hunter could be moved to the fifth spot.
Iglesias could be the missing piece in the Tigers lineup that could help them take control of the A.L. Central. Does he make them a championship favorite? If Iglesias hits the way he has this season and Cabrera's hips are healthy, then the Tigers will be scoring a lot more runs this season. The Tigers discretely became more dangerous on defense as Iglesias gives them a solid glove. He has only one error in 105 opportunities. Peralta was by no means terrible, committing four in 407 opportunities.
