For those living in a cave, without access to TV, Internet or any other media outlet - the moves of “The Great Dombrowski”, were statements expressing to the rest of the American League that they are planning on being near the upper echelon of the standings for years to come.
The Motor City Kitties first brought in a necessary left handed bat by acquiring Jacque Jones, added the slick fielding and consistent bat of Edgar Renteria, not to mention making the biggest splash of the off-season by landing a budding young superstar third baseman in Miguel Cabrera along with former Cy Young runner-up and 22 game winner Dontrelle Willis from the Marlins.
Some cynics (rare, but there have been murmurs) believe that the Tigers may have sold the farm for the latter two, in dealing away blue-chip prospects like Andrew Miller and Cameron Maybin, along with the serviceable Mike Rabelo, away to play in Miami.
You have to look at all the moves like this, the youth that was dealt is and was necessary for a team that is built to not only compete for the chance to play, but to actually win some championships.
Furthermore, the true blue chips received in this offseason will be able to grow and develop with this team. With Cabrera being 24 and Willis 26, it isn’t necessarily a push move that will hurt them after helping for a “dream season”. It was a strategic move that makes this team better now, and it’s also safe to say that it also gives them a legitimate shot at being a contender for the next decade.
