Detroit's Shiny New Model

The Tigers reel in the latest big fish from the sea of free agents, giving Justin Upton a six-year deal worth $132.5 million. The power-hitting outfielder brings very good, but not exceptional numbers: he's hit .300 just once in his career and batted a career-low .251 last year in San Diego. The Tigers will be the best team he's ever played with -- perhaps being in the same lineup as (and witnessing the work ethic of) Miguel Cabrera, JD Martinez, Ian Kinsler and Victor Martinez will elevate his game. Or maybe the spacious dimensions of Comerica will prove as frustrating to him as Petco Park.
Detroit's owner Mike Ilitch, now 86, desperately wants a title while he's still here to enjoy it -- and like many a mogul is willing is spend big for the chance.
If you trust the stats, Upton isn't quite the player Yoenis Cespedes was -- and after 2/3 of a season, the Tigers soured on the Cuban expat enough to trade him to the Mets. So Detroit reloads, Upton cashes in -- and the Royals have a tougher division challenger as they seek their third consecutive pennant.
The images of Justin Upton are from a May 2012 game against the Mets at Citi Field.

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