Granderson hit 23 homers last season, and he now has five homers in the 1 1/2 weeks since he returned from the disabled list. When Leyland has spoken about Granderson someday hitting in the middle of the lineup, he has mentioned how as Pirates manager he had Barry Bonds hit leadoff for the first four seasons of his big-league career before he moved him to the middle of the order.

Granderson's last 23 homers have been solo homers. Leyland might be eager to see Granderson get more at-bats with runners on base.

Leyland moved Bonds?  I remember it, Barry lost his arbitration suit before the 1990 season because he didn't drive in enough runs.  He then asked to be moved to the middle of the lineup so he could basically make more money.  I really don't think Jim woke up one day and said, "Barry Bonds should bat fifth."

If indeed Leyland moves Granderson lower in the order, the Lineup Analysis Tool will agree with him.  Based on Tigers stats through Sunday, Guillen should lead off and Granderson should bat fourth.  I wonder how close Leyland's lineup tonight will be to this model?

Read more about Major League Baseball at Baseball Musings.