Tigers make a statement

Not so long ago, a college athletic director told his new school's fans he would not let their favorite football program backslide into mediocrity.

In a sense, and without the same bravado, the Detroit Tigers made the same statement Tuesday by landing Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis in a trade with Florida.

The deal is contingent upon players passing physicals and other red tape. Assuming it goes through, and as of now there's no reason not to, it is a coup for Detroit.

Everyone knew Cabrera was on the trading block this offseason, but rumors surrounding Willis, which have flowed liberally the last few seasons, had been quieted for the most part.

The Tigers now have swept in and stolen a little thunder from the Yankees-Red Sox battle over a possible Johan Santana trade while remaking themselves as a contender for their second AL title in three seasons.