< This spring has been the birth of one of the most exciting spring trainings in recent memories. With optimism nearing, dare I say it, that of the 2008 Tigers, fans can sit down and watch as a team that is supposed to run away with division takes the field. There is plenty of drama to go around as well, just enough to give the spring a little flavor. Miggy's shift third, the fifth starter and the second base committee; it gives us just enough to talk about as we wait for the Red Sox to show up to Comerica in early April. >

But to me this spring has a different feeling. As a watched highlights of the 2006 campaign the other night I found myself completely nostalgic over a season that isn't quite six years old. . . .and the lack of familiar faces that remain around. With Magglio, Zumaya and Carlos gone from the Tigers, possibly gone from baseball. . . we're down to two. Verlander and Inge, one superstar and one veteran fighting for a job.

The likes of Polanco and Pudge are all but memories, but for some reason the site of that iconic home run that Mags put out against Street triggers a bit more emotion. I know there will be those that disagree. . .but I'm not sure there is a more meaningful swing of the bat in this team's great history. It brought a team that had been dead for so long to the forefront of the American League in dramatic fashion. A free agent signing that really shook MLB and a move that helped bring other talent in. It was really the beginning of the Tiger's resurgence.

My question is what is Mags legacy? I wonder if he'll develop that sort of Trammell, Whitaker, or Morris persona with fans or if his name will blend into the history books with the rest.