DETROIT -- The offseason seems like an eternity each year once it begins. Four-plus months without a game? Just under six months before Opening Day? Ugh.
After going through a few offseasons, however, there's a cycle to them. Teams that miss the postseason spend October clearing up the 40-man roster and making decisions on coaches; for example, the Tigers already announced that all of manager Ron Gardenhire's staff will return. November is for the early stages of free agency and trade talks, almost like first dates, and for decisions on arbitration-eligible players. December brings the Winter Meetings and the Rule 5 Draft.