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Tigers, Marlins Finalize Blockbuster Deal

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The Associated Press

Published: December 6, 2007

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - It's a done deal.

The Tigers and Marlins completed their blockbuster trade Wednesday, an eight-player swap that sent All-Stars Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis from Florida to Detroit.

The Marlins received a package of six players, including two highly rated prospects: left-hander Andrew Miller and outfielder Cameron Maybin. The teams reached a preliminary agreement Tuesday, with the deal subject to both sides being satisfied after exchanging medical records.

"Wow. Those moves put us over the top," Detroit closer Todd Jones wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press.

The Tigers also sent former University of Tampa catcher Mike Rabelo and right-handers Burke Badenhop, Eulogio De La Cruz and Dallas Trahern to Florida in a huge deal that developed quickly and took the spotlight away from the Johan Santana sweepstakes at baseball's winter meetings.

Cabrera, an All-Star in each of the last four seasons, joins an imposing lineup that also includes Magglio Ordonez, Gary Sheffield, Carlos Guillen, Ivan Rodriguez, Curtis Granderson and Placido Polanco. The Tigers also acquired shortstop Edgar Renteria, a five-time All-Star, in a trade with Atlanta this offseason.

Willis, the 2003 NL Rookie of the Year and a two-time All-Star, is coming off a down year in which he went 10-15 with a 5.17 ERA.

Willis will be part of a solid rotation with Justin Verlander, Kenny Rogers and Jeremy Bonderman as Detroit tries to reach the World Series again after losing to St. Louis in 2006.

Cabrera and Willis were the last players left from Florida's 2003 championship team. Unable to secure a new ballpark, the Marlins keep shedding players when they are due to earn huge salaries. Cabrera made $7.4 million this year and Willis $6.45 million. Both were eligible for arbitration and likely to receive raises.

At $1,325,000 next year, Miller immediately became the highest-paid player on the Marlins.

BREWERS: Free-agent reliever David Riske signed a three-year contract, moving to the Brewers after an effective season with Kansas City.

The Brewers signed Riske after recently losing free-agent relievers Francisco Cordero to Cincinnati and Scott Linebrink to the Chicago White Sox.

NATIONALS: Completed their trade for right-hander Tyler Clippard, getting him from the New York Yankees for Jonathan Albaladejo after both players cleared physicals.

ROCKIES: Pitcher Aaron Cook is near an agreement on a three-year contract worth $30 million.

MINOR-LEAGUE BASEBALL: Pat O'Conner was unanimously elected president of minor-league baseball at the winter meetings. His four-year term begins Jan. 1.

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