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From left to right: Danny Worth, Hernan Perez, Eugenio Suarez, Steve Lombardozzi.

(Courtesy of Associated Press)

VIERA, Fla. -- Danny Worth fell just short of opening the season last year on Detroit's 25-man roster, serving as the team's final spring roster cut prior to opening day.

Could history repeat itself?

Worth is among three internal candidates the Tigers will consider as a replacement for Jose Iglesias, who is expected to miss at least five months with stress fractures in both legs.

The other two candidates being strongly considered? Hernan Perez and Eugenio Suarez.

As it stands today, the Tigers seem content with naming an in-house candidate to fill Iglesias' vacant spot, but that doesn't exactly mean they're ruling out external options.

Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski is making the rounds this spring, keeping his ears to the ground and inquiring about available infielders. If the right deal comes along, it certainly wouldn't be a shock if the Tigers pull the trigger and bring in a new shortstop.

But for the sake of this particular poll, we're going to limit the Tigers' options at shortstop strictly to internal candidates. So, with that said, if you were responsible for penciling the Tigers' lineup on opening day, who would you start at short?

-- Would it be Worth, a sure-handed shortstop with major league experience, but little offensive upside?

-- What about Perez, a 22-year-old with above-average speed on the bases and quick hands, but defensive skills that don't match Worth?

-- Or would you go with Suarez, a slick-fielding shortstop, who has a high ceiling, but lacks much-needed experience?

It's possible the Tigers could go with utility player Steve Lombardozzi as their starting shortstop on opening day. The Tigers initially viewed him as the primary backup behind Iglesias, but it appears they have no intention of having him play short on a daily basis.

The Tigers have options. Now, they must decide which option will work best. So, what do you think? Feel free to answer the poll below and give us your reasoning behind your decision in the comments section.

<a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/7898166/">Who should Detroit Tigers start at shortstop on opening day?</a>

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