Tigers manager Jim Leyland said that Ivan Rodriguez would open the season batting ninth behind Jacque Jones.
It's the best spot for the future Hall of Famer, though we were still guessing it'd be Jacque Jones there. The only problem with that is that leadoff man Curtis Granderson is a fellow left-handed hitter. It appears as though the only thing left for Leyland to decide is whether Gary Sheffield or Miguel Cabrera hits third. The other will bat fifth behind Magglio Ordonez. Placido Polanco will take his usual No. 2 spot, and Carlos Guillen and Edgar Renteria will hit ahead of Jones.