Tigers may have just punched ticket to world title

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A double tip of the cap to the Detroit Tigers.

First, for pulling off one of the best trades in memory, recent or distant.

Second, for yanking the spotlight away from the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, neither of whom seem willing to quit posturing and finally pull the trigger on a trade for Minnesota Twins ace Johan Santana.

Heading into the winter meetings here, the Tigers were already in solid shape.

They already fleeced the Braves in a trade for all-star shortstop Edgar Renteria, re-signed catcher Pudge Rodriguez, starter Kenny Rogers and closer Todd Jones and also added outfielder Jacque Jones in a trade from the Cubs.

Just when it looked like the White Sox were going to deftly slide in and pry Miguel Cabrera away from the Florida Marlins, Detroit came from out of nowhere Tuesday and got not only the talented young third baseman, but starting pitcher Dontrelle Willis as well.

Wow.

In the end, the Tigers exploited their superior farm system, sending six young players to Florida for a pair of proven performers who should carry them to their second World Series appearance in the last three years.

Unlike 2006, the Tigers should win it all this time around.

Yes, Detroit still has some bullpen issues, and it seems like Jones has been pitching for 30 years.

But the Tigers have an imposing lineup that features Cabrera, Renteria, Magglio Ordonez, Gary Sheffield, Rodriguez, Curtis Granderson and Placido Polanco.

The Tigers also have a starting rotation that features Willis, Rogers, Justin Verlander and Jeremy Bonderman.

As the White Sox have been saying, even before the winter meetings kicked off on Monday, they are still a work in progress.

But after Detroit punched out on Tuesday, the rest of the AL Central was left in a world of hurt.