Detroit Tigers Have Had 10 Different Left Fielders In The Last 10 Years Start Opening Day
By: Evan Jankens
@kingofthekc
When the Detroit Tigers signed left fielder Justin Upton to a six-year contract in January, they believe they found the left fielder of the future.
But how about the past? When Upton started for the Tigers Tuesday night he became the tenth left fielder to start for the Tigers on Opening Day in the last 10 years.
Yes, you did read that right. Below is the list of the 9 before him and how they did that season.
2007- Craig Monroe - Appeared in 99 games for the Tigers before being traded to the Cubs. He hit .222 with 11 HRs and 55 RBI.
2008- Jacque Jones - Appeared in 24 games for the Tigers before being released. He hit .165 with 1 HR and 5 RBI.
2009 - Josh Anderson - Appeared in 74 games before being traded by the Tigers to the Royals. He hit .242 with no HRs and 16 RBI.
2010 - Johnny Damon - Appeared in 145 games for the Tigers. He hit .271 with 8 HRs and 51 RBI.
2011 - Ryan Raburn - Appeared in 121 games for the Tigers. He hit .256 with 14 HRs and 49 RBI.
2012 - Delmon Young - Appeared in 151 games for the Tigers. He hit .267 with 18 HRs and 74 RBI.
2013 - Andy Dirks - Appeared in 131 games for the Tigers. He hit .256 with 9 HRs and 37 RBI.
2014 - Rajai Davis - Appeared in 134 games for the Tigers. He hit .282 with 8 HRs and 51 RBI.
2015 - Yoenis Cespedes - Appeared in 102 games for the Tigers before being traded to the New York Yankees. He hit .293 with 18 HRs and 61 RBI.
Here's hoping Upton can surpass all that have played in left field before him.
