MLB Power Rankings: Each team’s best trade ever

PHOENIX, UNITED STATES: Arizona Diamondbacks left fielder Luis Gonzalez (R) celebrates his game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the 9th inning off of New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera (42) during Game 7 of the World Series in Phoenix, AZ, 04 November, 2001. The Diamondbacks defeated the New York Yankees 3-2, winning the series four games to three and become the 2001 world champions. AFP PHOTO/Timothy A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images) /

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Detroit Tigers

In case you need proof that it is the quality of prospects that you receive in a deal and not the quantity that matters the most, the fact that the Detroit Tigers got an American League Most Valuable Player for a bunch of guys who never panned out with the Marlins is Exhibit A.

Granted, in December of 2007, when the trade was made, Miller and Maybin were viewed as two of the best prospects in baseball. However, Miller lasted just three seasons in Florida with a 5.89 ERA before the Red Sox saved his career by converting him to a relief pitcher. Maybin only lasted three seasons as well before being traded to the Padres for Edward Mujica and Ryan Webb. Badenhop was highly thought of too, but wound up spending four years in the Marlins bullpen before getting his act together.

Meanwhile, Cabrera has won two American League Most Valuable Player Awards and has served as their leader as the Tigers have dominated for a majority of Cabrera’s tenure with the team. Dontrelle Willis started just 22 games for the Tigers over three seasons, but Cabrera has done so much for the Tigers that Willis is often thought of as just a throw in to the trade.

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