World Series 2012: Jim Leyland releases 'likely' lineup for Game 1

The Detroit Tigers don't yet know who they will be facing in the World Series, but on Sunday manager Jim Leyland gave reporters a sneak peek at what his lineup is likely to be. This is how it's shaping up:

1. Austin Jackson, CF
2. Andy Dirks, RF
3. Miguel Cabrera, 3B
4. Prince Fielder, 1B
5. Delmon Young, LF
6. Alex Avila, C
7. Jhonny Peralta, SS
8. Omar Infante, 2B
9. Justin Verlander, P

Verlander, who is slated to start Game 1, will be forced to bat, as the Tigers will be on the road to start the series. The irony, of course, is that the National League has home field in the World Series in part because Verlander was battered in the first inning of this year's All Star Game. (That the American League was shut out didn't help matters.) He may even face Pablo Sandoval, who knocked in three runs in that inning, in the first game of the series if the San Francisco Giants advance.

The Giants and St. Louis Cardinals will play the deciding game at 8 p.m. ET on Fox on Monday night.