When Kevin Towers took over as general manager prior to the 2011 season, his moves were laser focused, aimed first at improving the bullpen and the bench, then at plugging holes as they developed over the course of the next two years.
The offseason after 2012 was different. Towers went to work reshaping the roster in more drastic ways, looking to mold the club more around his vision -- and that of manager Kirk Gibson.
The offseason began with the trade of center fielder Chris Young to the Oakland Athletics. Two months later, Towers acquired shortstop Didi Gregorius in a three-team deal for highly touted pitching prospect Trevor Bauer, then added outfielder Cody Ross on a three-year, $26 million contract.