The pitching staff was in a general state of disarray at the end of the season following an April breakdown of the rotation and an August/September collapse of the back end of the bullpen. 

It wasn't the unavailability of third baseman Carlos Guillen that cost Detroit in the season finale. 

--SS Edgar Renteria, who sat out the Sept. 

Boosted by the big deal for Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis, the Detroit Tigers started the season as a popular pick to contend for a championship. 

Alexei Ramirez spread his arms wide, raced around the bases like a little kid and jumped into Paul Konerko's embrace at home plate. 

Monday's makeup game between the Detroit Tigers and the White Sox started after a rain delay of three hours and four minutes, a game Chicago needs to win to force a tiebreaker meeting against Minnesota for the AL Central title. 

Alexei Ramirez spread his arms wide and raced around the bases like a little kid. 

Detroit Tigers starter Freddy Garcia was forced to leave Monday's makeup game against the Chicago White Sox in the sixth inning because of a stiff right shoulder. 

MEDICAL WATCH: 2B Placido Polanco (sore back) didn't play Sept. 

--RHP Zach Miner retired the first 12 batters he faced but wound up with a no-decision when Detroit's bullpen blew another lead in the late innings. 

Fallout from the Tigers' disappointing 2008 season has already begun. 

The Chicago White Sox finally came up with a win when they needed one on Sunday to stay alive in the race for the AL Central title. 

The Tampa Bay Rays took advantage of the weakest link the Detroit Tigers had during their disappointing season. 

The Tampa Bay Rays are heading into the playoffs for the first time after rallying from a five-run deficit, losing the lead and winning in extra innings. 

The Detroit Tigers' disappointing season cost two coaches their jobs.