The NHL shutdown left Tigers' Owner Mike Illitch, who also owns the Detroit Red Wings, with extra cash this off-season. Consequently, Detroit pursued most of the big names on the free agent market. While their attempts to acquire Troy Glaus and Carlos Beltran ended unsuccessfully, the Tigers still had payroll room to spend when Scott Boras set to work to find a home for the last big name on his free agent client list. Over the weekend, Detroit signed OF-R Magglio Ordonez to a five-year, $75M contract that includes a $3M buyout on a $15M option for 2010.

Ordonez will receive a $6M signing bonus as well as salaries of $6M in 2005, $15M in 2006, $12M in 2007, $15M in 2008, and $18M in 2009. In addition to the 2010 option, the Tigers also hold a $15M option for 2011 without a buyout. Ordonez can guarantee each option year by appearing in 135 games or making 540 plate appearances the year prior to the option or by appearing in 270 games or making 1080 plate appearances over the two seasons prior to the option. Should he guarantee the 2010 option, he would receive a salary of $18M (the combined cost of the buyout and the option price) that season. However, if Ordonez spend more than 25 days on the disabled list as a result of trouble with his left knee, the Tigers may void the remainder of his contract, paying him only his $6M 2005 salary and eliminating all other commitments including his $6M signing bonus.

Due to the way in which Ordonez guarded medical information about the injury to his left knee last season, his health played a major factor in his marketability this off-season. Detroit thoroughly investigated his injury and reached the conclusion that the injury should not cause chronic problems. To guard against flaws in their assessment, the club also constructed a contract that protects their pocketbook if the knee injury remains a problem in 2005. While the 31-year-old's knee theoretically could hold up fine over the 2005 season and then become a problem, Ordonez's upside justifies the remaining risk. Ordonez possesses solid plate discipline and substantial power. Although he's demonstrated modest speed in the past, that asset faded as he aged and I do not expect to see him snatching many bases following his knee surgery. Moving from U.S. Cellular Field to Comerica Park will dull his power numbers, but I expect Detroit to be content with his production provided he remains healthy.