All the Right Moves

Heading into the trade deadline, the AL Central was up for grabs.

On July 30, the Tigers held a 1 1/2 game lead over the Cleveland Indians. The race was so tight, six games separated Detroit and fourth-place Minnesota.

A great and deep offense, perfect closer and best pitcher in baseball in 2011 helped Detroit claim the divisional lead from the upstart Indians for good July 21. But lack of consistency behind ace Justin Verlander in the rotation left the Tigers vulnerable.

So management went out and acquired Doug Fister from the lately perennial benefactor Mariners. The Tigers gave up a few prospects, but scored quite the deal.

Fister can be theirs through 2015; the lanky right-hander won't be eligible for salary arbitration until the 2012 off-season.

Two months, 53 games and 37 wins later, the Tigers have not only long ago wrapped their first division title since 1987, but have put themselves in a position to make a run in the playoffs.

As dominate as CY Young shoe-in and possible AL MVP Verlander has been, Fister has been almost every bit as good in the Motor City.

In 10 starts, Fister is 8-1 with a 1.79 ERA and .84 WHIP. Just as impressive are his four free passes over 70.1 innings.

Over his last eight outings, Fister has done one better, going 7-0 with a .66 ERA.

Detroit also bolstered its already dangerous lineup by landing left fielder Delmon Young. The former first overall pick is an upgrade from aging Magglio Ordonez and has hit .278 with 8 dingers and 32 RBI in 39 games. Pace that over a full season and Young would have more than 30 homers and 120 knocked in.

Not bad considering what Detroit gave up for him.