Detroit Tigers

No one ever said doing the right thing would always be the most popular thing.

Shortstop Adam Everett was signed Monday to a one-year contract for the 2010 season by the Detroit Tigers, who were able to cross an item off their shopping list.

The signing of Everett does not come as much of a surprise for a franchise that is short of cash but flush with needs. The financial reality of the Tigers does not allow them much leeway in offseason spending.

Year: 1905

Record: 79-74

Win %: .516

Win % Change: 108

Run Differential: -90

Pythagorean Record: 65-88

AL Finish: 3rd of 8

Manager: Bill Armour

Best Transaction

Four-plus years ago, Placido Polanco got run out of Philadelphia—they do that a lot in that town—because the Phanatics wanted to see Chase Utley, and pronto, play second base. So quick to rid themselves of Polanco were the Phillies that they accepted a soon-to-be felon from the Tigers, pitcher Ugie Urbina, in a straight up heist.

It wasn't quite Lou Brock-for-Ernie Broglio but it wasn't Rocky Colavito-for-Harvey Kuenn, either. At least the Phillies had Utley as their ace in the hole.

The Winter Meetings are about to start and snow is flying in the Midwest. While some of the  Tigers  are home in the tropics or enjoying 18 holes in Florida, The Hammer Toss will keep you warm with the hot stove!

The middle infield for the Detroit Tigers is in for a significant overhaul this offseason.

The Tigers firmly committed to a new second baseman by declining to offer salary arbitration to Placido Polanco and allowing him to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday. 

Year: 1970

Record: 79-83

Win Percentage: .488

Win Percentage Change: -68

Run Differential: -65

Pythagorean Record: 74-88

AL Finish: 7th of 12

Manager: Mayo Smith

The Detroit Tigers did not offer second baseman Placido Polanco arbitration, which means any team can sign him without having to forfeit a draft pick since he's a Type-A free agent.

Polanco, 34, hit .285/.331/.396 with 10 homers and 72 RBI in 675 plate appearances with the Tigers last season. He only struck out 46 times last season, which indicates he makes contact most of the time.

He has been linked to the Phillies multiple times thus far this offseason as many believe they're eyeing him to be their third base this coming season despite him not playing third since 2004.

The Detroit Tigers are looking to deal, and in order to save themselves from financial ruin, they are willing to part with superstar first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

Year: 1960

Record: 71-83

Win Percentage: .461

Win Percentage Change: -33

Run Differential: -11

Pythagorean Record: 76-78

AL Finish: 6th of 8

Manager: Jimmie Dykes, Billy Hitchcock and Joe Gordon

• Year: 2008
• Record: 74-88
• Win %: .457
• Win % Change: -86
• Run Differential: -36
• Pythagorean Record: 78-84
• AL Finish: 12th of 14
• Manager: Jim Leyland
• Best Transaction: Trading for Miguel Cabrera.  Jury is probably still out on this one a bit, but Cabrera sure is good.  The Tigers gave up six prospects to bring Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis to Detroit.  You have to wonder: If this reverse trade were offered to the Tigers RIGHT NOW, would they take it?  With the Tigers looking to unload contracts, would they give up thes