New Delhi, Aug. 2 -- DETROIT - The moment the Detroit Tigers traded Tarik Skubal to Los Angeles was the moment the season officially ended in Michigan, and the moment the Dodgers decided they were serious about a third consecutive World Series ring.

The blockbuster arrived Saturday, August 2, the last day before the Major League Baseball trade deadline closed. The Dodgers acquired the 29-year-old left-hander - a two-time consecutive American League Cy Young Award winner - in exchange for a three-player package headlined by outfield prospect Zyhir Hope, along with right-handers River Ryan and Brady Smith.

What made this trade remarkable was not the return. Detroit got a legitimate haul. Hope, 21, batted .293 with 23 home runs and 18 stol...