The Tigers had a stellar year in a lot of respects. Polanco set an all time record of most consecutive plays without an error. Ordonez topped the major league batting average with Polanco finishing in 3rd. Curtis Granderson got 20 triples, 20 doubles, 20 home runs, and 20 stolen bases. The Tiger bullpen was crippled this year without Rogers and Zumaya for most of the season. Even so, Verlander carried the bullpen very well and even got himself a no hitter.
Last year they were the hunters and this year they were the hunted. In any case they still managed to manhandle the Yanks in most of the games they played this season.
If they avoid the injury bug next year I fully expect them to be back in the playoffs either as a division winner or as the wild card.
The teams split the season series 4 - 4.