Five replacements for Victor Martinez 

January, 18, 2012
Jan 18
10:05
AM ET

After designated hitter Victor Martinez tore his ACL during offseason workouts, the Detroit Tigers are in the market for another established hitter.

However, that doesn’t mean the Tigers are going to break the bank for Prince Fielder. Rather, general manager Dave Dombrowski will dip into the pool of decent hitters still looking for jobs. Though the Tigers likely won’t be able to completely replace the 33-year-old Martinez’s production from 2011, when he hit .330 with 103 RBIs, certainly the designated hitter/part-time first baseman role is one of the easier positions to fill. And it will be equally as challenging to find a clubhouse presence such as Martinez, who excelled at keeping the team loose and happy.

Here are the top five candidates the Tigers should consider to replace Martinez:

1. Yoenis Cespedes



This would be the best option to replace Martinez. Cespedes is an all-around player who could take over left field and allow the Tigers to move Delmon Young back to the DH position. This would improve the Tigers defensively in left and provide the necessary protection for Miguel Cabrera so teams don't pitch around him while Martinez is out. Don't put too much stock in Cespedes' inauspicious debut in winter ball. He hasn't seen game action for a while, and teams remain high on him.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

  • JimBowdenESPNxm JIM BOWDEN
    Hatcher, Harper, Collins, Wright and more: http://t.co/JFnGjF8o
    9 minutes ago     
  • JimBowdenESPNxm JIM BOWDEN
    Great article by Jerry Crasnick at http://t.co/jzmuE0LH on Jose Altuve: http://t.co/yNyEB1aw
    about an hour ago     
  • JimBowdenESPNxm JIM BOWDEN
    Coming up on our show today guests will include:Cardinals Matt Holliday, Red Sox Daniel Bard and Indians Manny Acta Sirius 209 XM 89 2pm est
    about 3 hours ago     
  • JimBowdenESPNxm JIM BOWDEN
    Jose Altuve Scouting Report: http://t.co/YFM6MBMW
    about 3 hours ago     
  • JimBowdenESPNxm JIM BOWDEN
    Phillies & Red Sox should SELL http://t.co/raI4zv5g
    about 3 hours ago     
  • JimBowdenESPNxm JIM BOWDEN
    Getting ready for my weekly appearance on the HERD with Colin Cowherd on ESPN RADIO...9:15 am Pacific; 12:15 pm Est....join us
    about 4 hours ago     
  • JimBowdenESPNxm JIM BOWDEN
    Bruce Bochy just told us they had a set back with Freddie Sanchez with his back..they are doing an MRI today...
    1 day ago     
  • JimBowdenESPNxm JIM BOWDEN
    Mark Melancon in AAA....11 games....11 IP 0 ER 19 SO 0 BB and 4 saves.....has to be close to returning to Red Sox
    1 day ago     
  • JimBowdenESPNxm JIM BOWDEN
    Coming up next on our show......Reds RHS Homer Bailey Sirius 209 and XM 89
    1 day ago     
  • JimBowdenESPNxm JIM BOWDEN
    Congrats to Bryce BAM BAM Harper on his 2nd ML HR 18 away from becoming 1st player in MLB history to hit 20 HR's in a season as a teenager
    1 day ago     
  • JimBowdenESPNxm JIM BOWDEN
    Thanks to Dan Uggla and John Buck for joining us on our show today
    1 day ago     
  • JimBowdenESPNxm JIM BOWDEN
    Coming up on our show today guests will include Braves 2B Dan Uggla and our Monday Power Rankings of both Teams and Players Sirius 209 XM 89
    2 days ago