Anderson to start opener for Detroit

The Tigers will have three new faces in the lineup when they open the season in Toronto. Newly acquired Josh Anderson gets the nod in left field, bringing instant electricity to the base paths. His start, however, should not be considered a revelation that he'll become the day-to-day left fielder.

Tonight, leftfielder Carlos Guillen will be the DH. Guillen has had leg problems in past seasons, and manager Jim Leyland doesn't want to overtax his legs on Toronto's artificial turf.

But Leyland also wants the speedy Anderson in the game. Speed can become precious in a low-scoring game, which is what right-handed starters Roy Halladay and Justin Verlander could produce tonight. Leyland picked the speed of Anderson for tonight's lineup over the power of Marcus Thames and Jeff Larish.

"Turf, speed, defense," Leyland said of putting Anderson in left. "He might chop one (off the turf for a hit). He might score a run."

It could be the kind of game, said Leyland, where the difference can be "beating out a force play or going first-to-third." That's Anderson's game.

"Marcus or Larish might hit a homer off Halladay, but that's kind of unlikely," Leyland said.

Fantasy Imapct: A start on opening day doesn't mean much for Anderson's fantasy impact as of right now. He's a part time player, but with so many part-time types on the Tigers, he's bound to see his at bats limited. Streaky production like his does not play well in fantasy, unless you can get away with only using Anderson for steals.

Not so Sori about his defense

Sabernomics.com, in a short review of John Dewan's The Fielding Bible II, lists the top defensive players at each position with regard to "runs saved."

Pos. - Player - Runs Saved
1B - Albert Pujols = 61
2B - Chase Utley = 63
3B - Pedro Feliz = 50
SS - Adam Everett = 48
LF - Alfonso Soriano = 42
CF - Carlos Beltran = 44
RF - Alex Rios = 49
C - Jason Kendall = 27
P - Kenny Rogers = 27

The shocker? Alfonso Soriano in left field. He's been ripped repeatedly for his defense at Wrigley Field. There is, however, merit to his high standing here. Soriano does have the ability to throw from left, recording the fourth-most assists from left field (10) in MLB. His five double plays from the outfield led the majors.

Is he an adventure in left? Yes, but it's traditionally the weakest defensive position in baseball. Maybe he's not so bad in terms of his peers.