Revisiting Tigers' Opening Day predictions

LAKELAND, Fla. -- With the Tigers at the midway point of Spring Training and Opening Day just three weeks away, it’s time to take another look at our predictions for the Opening Day roster. In some cases, roster moves -- Josh Harrison’s signing, Kaleb Cowart’s waiver claim -- changed projections. In other cases, players have emerged to make their case.

Catcher (2): Grayson Greiner, John Hicks
What changed? Not much. Greiner has stepped up to take ownership of the pitching staff, while Hicks has proven himself healthy and capable of catching again after core muscle surgery last year. If Hicks projects to play a good amount at first base early on, Bobby Wilson could crack the roster as a third catcher.

First base (1): Miguel Cabrera
What changed? Cabrera has taken a little longer to get his legs in game shape, but his bat and his eyes are already close to midseason form. He could DH a little more early on, but barring injury, he’s a first baseman.

Second base (1): Josh Harrison
What changed? Harrison, signed two weeks ago to a one-year contract, helps complete the roster, both on the field and in the clubhouse. He gives Detroit a more natural leadoff hitter, while providing another welcome veteran presence.

Third base (1): Jeimer Candelario
What changed? Nothing. Candelario looks more prepared for everyday duty at the hot corner after seemingly wearing down at the plate over the second half last year.

Shortstop (1): Jordy Mercer
What changed? Nothing, aside from Mercer recruiting his double-play partner over from Pittsburgh. Willi Castro looks like he might be close to Major League ready, but the Tigers want Mercer locking down the everyday job.

Outfield (4): Nicholas Castellanos, JaCoby Jones, Christin Stewart, Mikie Mahtook
What changed? Nothing, for now. But Jones’ struggles at the plate -- combined with outstanding camps for Mahtook and Daz Cameron -- could leave Jones with little room for patience when the season opens.

Utility (2): Niko Goodrum, Ronny Rodriguez
What changed? Harrison’s arrival moved Goodrum back to his old role, but Detroit still wants to get Goodrum close to regular at-bats. Thus, expect Goodrum to move around everywhere, including first base and center field. Brandon Dixon has made a strong case for the roster, but Rodriguez provides a little more versatility.

Starting pitchers (5): Matthew Boyd, Michael Fulmer, Jordan Zimmermann, Tyson Ross, Matt Moore
What changed? Nothing. While neither Ross nor Moore have found their form yet, neither has Daniel Norris. With a few more turns through the Tigers' rotation, there’s still plenty of time.

Relief pitchers (8): Shane Greene, Joe Jiménez, Daniel Stumpf, Buck Farmer, Drew VerHagen, Reed Garrett, Blaine Hardy, Jose Manuel Fernandez
What changed? Fernandez’s strong spring has opened eyes and provided a push to Norris for a possible 13th spot on the pitching staff. It could come down to matchups and available innings; Detroit opens the season in Toronto and New York, facing two sides that could provide matchup problems requiring more situational relief than long work.

Got all that? Here's a simple list of the projected roster just in case:

CATCHERS
Grayson Greiner
John Hicks

INFIELDERS
Miguel Cabrera
Jeimer Candelario
Josh Harrison
Jordy Mercer

OUTFIELDERS
Nicholas Castellanos
JaCoby Jones
Mikie Mahtook
Christin Stewart

UTILITY PLAYERS
Niko Goodrum
Ronny Rodriguez

STARTING PITCHERS
Matthew Boyd
Michael Fulmer
Matt Moore
Tyson Ross
Jordan Zimmermann

RELIEF PITCHERS
Buck Farmer
Reed Garrett
Shane Greene
Blaine Hardy
Joe Jimenez
Daniel Stumpf
Drew VerHagen
Jose Manuel Fernandez