MLB: Detroit Tigers for baseball's World Series

Who will win the 2008 baseball World Series?

The Detroit Tigers came close to a World Series title two years ago. Now they are back with a roar and have assembled quite possibly the greatest offensive line-up of all time. Here are six of the characters who will all have a part to play if the Tigers are to go all the way.

1. Jim Leyland
The Tigers manager sports a smoker’s cough and a razor-sharp baseball mind and has an ocean of experience, going to the World Series twice and winning it once. Leyland, and his vast knowledge of the sport will be essential if the Tigers want to translate good signings into tangible success.

2. Miguel Cabrera
The 25-year-old third baseman, signed on an outrageous $153.3million eight-year contract extension with the Tigers, is an extremely exciting batter, tipped to hit as high as .340, which would turn the Tigers into offensive Leviathans. The news from training camp in Florida is that he is also extremely fit, more so than last season, which bodes well for his abilities as a third baseman.

3. Bradon Inge
The fact that this talented hitter is still with the Tigers can be seen as a glorious bonus as a slew of clubs, including the Giants and the Dodgers seemed intent on making a move for him. Inge has been impressive during the Tigers’ pre-season and is working on cutting down on his strikeouts. Inge has been shunted out at third base by Cabrera but if he accepts a switch to catcher this hugely popular player could yet perform a crucial role for the Tigers.