Top 5 Detroit Tigers Plays Of The Season's First Half [VIDEO]
By Dan Jenkins
@DanTJenkins
Most fans knew that the Detroit Tigers' defense was going to be vastly improved going into the 2015 season. The acquisitions of Anthony Gose and Yoenis Cespedes weren't the only improvements -- Jose Iglesias returned after missing the entire 2014 season.
The Tigers have made plenty of phenomenal plays this season, but we've whittled them down to five. Here are the top five plays the Tigers have made in the first half of the 2015 season:
5. Yoenis Cespedes robs Kurt Suzuki of a home run on Opening Day
Yoenis Cespedes broke onto the scene in his first game with the Tigers. He robbed Kurt Suzuki of this home run in support of David Price on Opening Day, in what was perhaps a preview of how much better the Tigers' defense would be in 2015.
4. Jose Iglesias makes phenomenal throw to first base
Every Tigers fan knows just how amazing shortstop Jose Iglesias is -- he flashes the leather on a nightly basis. Though not as strong as his glove, Iggy is above-average when it comes to throwing and he showed it on April 20 when he threw out the speedy Brett Gardner at first base.
3. Anthony Gose makes diving catch to rob Michael Brantley of extra bases
Anthony Gose was brought to the Tigers organization for his speed and defense. He showed both on June 13 when he tracked this ball down deep in the rightcenter field gap -- laying out to rob Michael Brantley of an extra-base hit.
2. Jose Iglesias and Ian Kinsler turn epic double-play
Tigers fans were robbed of what was supposed to be a great double-play duo in 2014 when Jose Iglesias went down for the season in Spring Training. Returning in 2015, Iglesias was finally teamed up with second baseman Ian Kinsler, and they turned this spectacular double-play on May 14 against the Minnesota Twins.
1. Alex Avila dives into the stands in his debut at first base
Everyone knew that catcher Alex Avila was good defensively behind the plate, but who knew he was just as good when he steps out in front of it? Avila was asked to fill in at first base for the first time in his career after Miguel Cabrera suffered a calf injury on July 3. He made this crazy diving catch into the stands in the fourth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays.
What do you think is the Tigers' top play of the first half? Let us know in the poll below!
