DETROIT - The Detroit Tigers have relied on every player to reach the World Series for the first time in more than two decades.

Yet the Tigers' turnaround, just three years removed from an AL record 119-losses, doesn't seem as if it would have been possible without Ivan Rodriguez.

When Rodriguez - arguably the best all-around catcher in baseball history - signed a $40 million, four-year contract in 2004, it surprised the baseball world.

First, it struck many as odd that Rodriguez would go from being the MVP of the NL championship series and helping the Florida Marlins win the World Series to playing for the laughingstock of the majors.

Second, it seemed strange that the Tigers would pay many millions more than any other team was willing to for an aging catcher in the twilight of his career.

Nobody is raising those same questions now about the bold move made by Tigers owner Mike Ilitch, just a few days away from Detroit's first World Series appearance since winning it in 1984.

"Mr. Ilitch gave me the opportunity to come here and he told me he was going to put a good team together," Rodriguez said. "And, he did it."

Magglio Ordonez, who hit the AL-pennant clinching homer against Oakland last week, signed a year after Rodriguez. Pitchers Kenny Rogers and Todd Jones followed the rebuilding effort last winter.

"Signing Ivan Rodriguez, without question, was huge for us because it represented the start of what we've done by coming back as an organization," Tigers General Manager Dave Dombrowski said. "Whenever you can add a future Hall of Famer, it can only help you."

Teams were scared away from Rodriguez's age - 32 when he signed - and by a back problem that put him on the disabled list in 2002 and 1992.

Those fears have been unfounded.

He hit .334 in 2004 and after a down season last year, Rodriguez hit .300 this season for the 10th time in his career and broke a record with his 11th All-Star start.

More importantly for the Tigers, he led all catchers by throwing out 45.7 percent of runners trying to steal and helped get the most out of a pitching staff relying heavily on two rookies: Justin Verlander and Joel Zumaya.

"I have total faith in his pitch-calling behind the plate," Verlander said. "It's hard to say how much he's helped me this year, but I know he has a lot.

"There are catchers that are great behind the plate, but can't hit a lick, and there are catchers that can hit, but aren't as good defensively. He gives you the best of both worlds."

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