Rebuilding the franchise (2004–2006) After the embarrassing 2003 season, the Tigers vowed to make changes. Under Dave Dombrowski, the franchise demonstrated a willingness to sign marquee free agents. In 2004, the team signed or traded for several talented but high-risk veterans, such as Fernando Viña, Rondell White, Iván Rodríguez, Ugueth Urbina, and Carlos Guillén, and the gamble paid off.Tigers acquire veteran shortstop from Mariners , The Argus-Press, Owosso, Michigan, January 9, 2004 The 2004 Tigers finished 72–90, a 29-game improvement over the previous season. This was the largest improvement in the AL since the Baltimore Orioles had a 33-game improvement from 1988 to 1989.
Rebuilding the franchise (2004–2006) After the embarrassing 2003 season, the Tigers vowed to make changes. Under Dave Dombrowski, the franchise demonstrated a willingness to sign marquee free agents. In 2004, the team signed or traded for several talented but high-risk veterans, such as Fernando Viña, ,Rondell White, Iván Rodríguez, Ugueth Urbina, and Car,los Guillén and the gamble paid off.Tigers acquire veteran shortstop from Mariners , The Argus-Press, Owosso Michigan, January 9, 2004 The 2004 Tigers finished 72–90, a 29-game improvement over the previous season. This was the largest improvement in the AL since the Baltimore Orioles had a 33-game improvement from 1988 to 1989.