Magglio Ordonez adding paradox to place in Tigers history

Magglio Ordonez stood at the plate in the eerie glow of dusk during one of those dragged-out October pennant playoff games. It was the bottom of the ninth, the score tied, 3-3. The pitch came in, addressed in the perfect location.

With a fluid swing, Ordonez lined the baseball over the left-field fence and into the bullpen.

Then he raised his arms in triumph.

Ordonez hit his treasured home run against the Athletics only three years ago.

Two years ago, he won the American League batting title, at .363.

Just one summer ago, he was a force as a batter -- .317 average, 103 runs batted in, 21 homers.

He was regaled as a star of the sport.

Now the Tigers are lugging him as baggage in another pennant race.

What a memory

When Ordonez hit this historical blast in 2006, the celebration ensued. The Tigers had won the pennant after leading their division most of the season, then stumbling, backing into the playoffs as a wild-card inclusion, then rallying again. On the field, Kenny Rogers sprayed a cop with championship champagne. Others showered fans.

And downtown Detroit was vibrant once again on a Saturday, just as in yesteryear.

Ordonez remained quiet, as is his habit. A satisfied smile.

But what he achieved with his home run registered as one of the top historic occasions in the record book of Detroit's American League franchise, then 106 years old.

The home run became a major portion of the club's history.

It was a link to Hank Greenberg's post-war home run in St. Louis that won the pennant for the Tigers in 1945.

It was as dramatic as Kirk Gibson's explosive home run that cinched the World Series again the Padres in 1984.

It packed the impact of Jim Northrup's legendary triple off Bob Gibson that won the 1968 World Series for the Tigers in a classic comeback against the Cardinals.

And it was as historic as Goose Goslin's hit to right that won the Tigers' first world championship against the Cubs in 1935.

Fast forward ...

The Tigers have led in their divisional race for most of the current season. But this is a frantic first-place team. And August is known as the dog days in Major League Baseball, when some teams falter and rivals soar.

From their precarious position in first, the Tigers did what they must do to combat the White Sox and Twins. They needed another starting pitcher. So they dispatched some more young ballplayers for savvy, left-hander Jarrod Washburn, soon to be 35, at Friday's deadline for non-waiver trades.

But to me, from a distance, it was a trade of desperation. And the Tigers have been desperate for production despite their eminence in first place.

They are in urgent need of a powerful hitter.

Simply, Ordonez has not produced. And now, in this three-pronged race in the American League Central, they must have his doubles, his home runs -- the timely runs batted in.

Washburn is a decent addition, a veteran pitcher who is likely a rental property. He's due to become a free agent at season's end. And it so happens that his agent is the never-to-be satisfied Scott Boras. The Tigers more than likely would have to pay above value to retain Washburn.

And, meanwhile, the Tigers have again lessened the value of having a bountiful farm system. Luke French, one of the pitchers surrendered to the Mariners for Washburn, already had emerged from the system to pitch acceptably for the Tigers. Young Mauricio Robles is a potential star.

Perhaps this time, Washburn might become to the Tigers what Dontrelle Willis was believed to be.

But from my view, the key is Ordonez and now the quick fix to ending the runs shortage.

And to me, Ordonez' plight could be the signature of this season. Sadness, because of Magglio's spot in Detroit baseball history.

The skill-level issue

He has served as a platooned right fielder and a benchwarmer. He's afflicted by strikeouts and double-play grounders. He's a target of the media speculators and condemned by the fans.

To me, the erosion of talent is the saddest aspect of sports.

The skills wither, then vanish. The memories should be everlasting, but so soon the accomplishments and the triumphs are ignored.

The games continue with a what-have-you-done-lately mentality. Ballplayers slump -- it's common to the game -- but they emerge out of slumps. The Tigers and manager Jim Leyland are treating Ordonez' condition as something more drastic and dangerous than an ordinary slump.

Aging, I suppose -- the physical decline of reflexes and strength -- is the most damaging factor.

But for Ordonez, who is only 35, it happened so quickly and without proper warning.

Complicating the issue -- turning the situation with Ordonez into grist for the rumor quacks -- is his salary package. Millions are tiered upon plate appearances and such for a player the Tigers are using only part-time.

Ordonez is the central figure in the Tigers' production woes -- a paradox in the pennant race. Baggage on the ballclub -- or perhaps, a hitting revival, suddenly again slapping doubles to right center, homers over the fence in left during these dog days.

Another touch from Detroit's baseball history.