Who's My Tiger? | 2016 Edition

For some people, the question of "who's your Tiger?" is easily answered. It's Miguel Cabrera. It's Justin Verlander. For me, it isn't that easy. When I'm asked that question, the wheels start spinning. Is it the one player I own a shirsey for? Is it the one who plays the most games? Is it the one who rides the bench most nights, flashing beautiful blue eyes? If I find myself at Comerica Park this summer, who will get the loudest cheer from me? Let's break down the candidates (listed in order from L-R in the above graphic).

Daniel Norris
Yes, he is in his old Blue Jays gear in the banner. Yes, I am too lazy to find a good picture of him as a Tiger that will look similar to the others. Of all of these candidates, Norris is the newest addition to the team. He is a great young pitcher who lives in a van sometimes and takes really good pictures and rocks a huge beard during the offseason. What's not to love? After undergoing surgery to remove cancer last year, he is healthy and ready to pitch. The only question is: will he capture the title of Allison's Tiger? His brief tenure with the team may not be enough to overcome such stiff competition.

James McCann
There's just something about a catcher that I can't help but love. James has a great attitude and an infectious positive personality, but he's not afraid to get a little confrontational at times, either (see: August 7th of last year when tempers flared between McCann and Iglesias). My Tiger definitely has to have a little bit of sass, as well as the ability to come in clutch - another talent that McCann has shown off (a couple of walk-off home runs never hurt). His cannon of an arm (#McCannon) only adds to the list of pros that James has shown off.

JD Martinez
JD quickly became a favorite among the Tigers' fanbase when he was called up to the major leagues after going on an absolute home run rampage with our Triple-A affiliate. He was (and still is) often spotted taking notes in the dugout, always wanting to learn and grow, leaving an even bigger impression on me (and tons of other fans). JD seems to fit in wonderfully with the rest of the team and being around Miguel Cabrera and other players will only continue to benefit him. Locked up for 2 more years (with fingers crossed for an even lengthier extension), the younger half of the Martinez Bros. tandem is an excellent choice for anyone's Tiger.

Ian Kinsler
Remember when I talked about sass earlier? Yeah, well, Kinsler has that. He isn't the biggest player or the best player, but he can get a hit when it counts and always gains extra points for rocking the classic tall socks. Who wouldn't be a fan of a player who delivers iconic moments like the one that started an entire #Binoctober movement? Always good for a tell-it-like-it-is comment after the game, Kins is one of the best sources of Tigers snark.

Andrew Romine
Sometimes, what makes up a favorite Tiger isn't always dependent on playing time. Enter Andrew Romine, utility player of my heart. His beautiful blue eyes and contagious smile are just the start of why I appreciate him so much. He always seems to be having fun, whether it is rocking patriotic socks on a holiday or dancing like nobody is watching with some of the littlest Tigers fans. He had to change his number this season because of the signing of Jordan Zimmermann, but I can guarantee that he will wear his new one with just as much happiness as his trusty old 27.

Shane Greene
Shane had a rough 2015 season. It had ups, downs, injuries, and questionable facial hair decisions. His offseason has consisted of an even more questionable hair decision. It's really bad, guys. Shane is also a many of very, very few words. I can appreciate that. Even further, he is a man of very, very beautiful hands. I can appreciate that, if you know what I mean. Will a muted personality and questionable grooming choices hurt his chances in the Great Allison's Tiger Race?

José Iglesias
If we are picking Tigers based on who I own merch for, Iglesias would be it. I own just one Tigers shirsey and it has a big ol' number 1 on the back. Iggy's flashy defense is so fun to watch and I really enjoy hearing him stay so humble and straight-forward after games. If we are picking Tigers based on life stories, Iglesias would also be it. His road to playing professional ball here in the States was not easy; I would be lying if I said I didn't cry several different times while reading about his deflection. Overall, the shortstop seems like a great blend of the qualities that I am looking for in a favorite player. Will he make the cut?

Nick Castellanos
Is Nick ever not happy? Every time he smiles, I smile. Maybe Nick hasn't quite lived up to the expectations surrounding him. Maybe he lets us down for a while before heating up right when we need him to. No one ever said a favorite Tiger had to be the best, right?!

What's the Verdict?
The votes have been tallied (there are no votes). My Tiger has to be positive, has to be a good person, and has to have just the right amount of sass to even out the sugar. There's no point in dragging this out, as each player's case has already been made. My Tiger for the 2016 season (and possibly beyond) is...