Miguel Cabrera thought at one point early in his career that he would be traded to the Los Angeles Angels.

Cabrera, 24, had just wrapped up his fourth full season with the Florida Marlins, hitting .320 with 34 homers and 119 RBIs.

He was getting considerable attention on the open market. The Marlins, who had paid him $7.4 million in his first year of arbitration, were seeking the best package available before he became eligible for free agency.

The Angels were considered front-runners by many. Cabrera often worked out with Mike Napoli at the time.

"Napoli was telling [Raul] Ibanez the Angels were going to be better [in 2008] with me," Cabrera said. "A week later, I was going to Detroit."

Cabrera emerged as a Triple Crown winner with the Tigers.

"Starters Ervin Santana and Joe Saunders were in the Cabrera conversations," writes Lyle Spencer.

"Pitcher Nick Adenhart and shortstop Brandon Wood were high-end prospects coveted everywhere. Howie Kendrick was a rising star at second base. Kendrys Morales, two years removed from breaking out as a slugging first baseman, center fielder and leadoff man Reggie Willits and catcher Jeff Mathis could have been part of a package."