"Since Miguel Cabrera arrived in Detroit before the 2008 season, he's hit mostly cleanup. In the past four years, he batted third in only 32 regular-season games.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland acknowledged Wednesday that might change in 2012.

"I'm thinking about it," he told reporters on Day 3 of the winter meetings. "That will be one of those lineups that I make up all winter long, and have in the three spot and have him in the four spot."

The obvious advantage to Cabrera hitting third is that he'll always bat in the first inning, giving the Tigers a great opportunity to take the early lead.

With the Tigers' best speed threats — Austin Jackson (if he keeps the leadoff job) and Brennan Boesch — likely to bat first and second, a Cabrera single should score a runner on second and a double should get in a runner from first."