519 days ago - The 2006 season was a charmed one for the Detroit Tigers, who rode a hot start into their first World Series appearance in 22 years. While retaining nearly every key player from last year’s surprising team, along with adding Gary Sheffield to their lineup, the Tigers will no longer be the darling underdogs. Unlike last season, the Tigers have already faced adversity, with the loss of postseason ace Kenny Rogers until at least July because of a blood clot. How they respond without him will be a key indicator of whether or not the Tigers will be a legitimate World Series contender.