Detroit Tigers 2000-2009 All-Decade Team
By Matt Snyder
Selecting a starting lineup of the best players to play for the Detroit Tigers in the decade from 2000-2009.
The 2000s was a decade of change for the Detroit Tigers. The entered the decade with a brad new ballpark but a sorry ball club. They exited the decade with a World Series appearance under their belt and on the verge of divisional dominance.
This post will focus on the players who contributed the most at each position during this time, but it’s hard to ignore the contributions of individuals off the field.
Owner Mike Ilitch opened the purse strings and allowed his front office to spend the necessary money to build a winning team. His desire to build a winning team (and back that up with fiscal resources) made him the type of owner that fans’ dreams are made of.
Dave Dombrowski joined the team in 2002 as team president but quickly cleaned house in the front office and installed himself in the general manager’s chair. His shrewd maneuvering ability — and willingness to make the big splash — loaded big-name talent to the Tigers for the first time since the 1980s.
Manager Jim Leyland took the helm in 2006 and wouldn’t accept a losing culture. His early-season rant after a Sunday loss to the Indians that year set the tone for the season. He expected his clubs to compete every time out.