World Series, here we come!

[Todd B.]

World Series, here we come!

Walk-off homer by Ordonez gives Tigers American League title; Polanco named series MVP

DETROIT -- They knew.

The moment Magglio Ordonez hit the ball, the Tigers knew. Rising up as one, the fans did, too. Everyone did.

This team -- this incredible Tigers team of 2006 -- is headed for the World Series.

There it went, into the night, Ordonez's game-winning home run with two on and two out off Huston Street in the bottom of the ninth to give the Tigers a 6-3 victory on Saturday over the Oakland A’s -- and a four-game sweep of their series.

There it went, soaring over the left-field fence, etching itself into Detroit sports lore. Craig Monroe, at second base, raised both arms. Placido Polanco, who’d been on first, was celebrating by the time he reached third.

They knew. Everyone did.

And Ordonez, who watched from home last year while his former team -- the Chicago White Sox -- won it all without him, trotted around the bases in every kind of triumph imaginable, one arm raised all the way.

World Series-bound and picking up steam.

It was the refrain in 1968, came to life again in 1984 -- and finally rings true once more.

Polanco, for getting nine hits in 17 at-bats (.529 average), was named the Most Valuable Player of the American League Championship Series, which is the full name of what the Tigers just won.

Of course, if you just want to call it the pennant, go ahead.

Everyone will know what you mean.