And the caravan has all my friends

It will stay with me until the end
Gypsy robin, sweet emma rose
Tell me everything I need to know

This Van Morrison song is a decent lead in to the story of the Detroit Tiger caravan stop in Grand Rapids for their Midwest League affiliate on January 13.

The architect behind the biggest trade in the major leagues this offseason will be the keynote speaker at the 2008 West Michigan Whitecaps winter banquet.

Dave Dombrowski, Detroit Tigers president and CEO, leads the Tigers' caravan that will stop at DeVos Place on Jan. 13.

Dombrowski will have plenty to talk about, coming to Grand Rapids less than three weeks after making the deal that brought All-Stars Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera to Detroit.

AL batting champion Magglio Ordonez and 2007 All-Star shortstop Carlos Guillen are among the Tigers scheduled to be on the tour.

The five time, five time, five time, five time, five time Midwest League champions are pretty happy about the lineup. Did I say happy? I meant...

"We're ecstatic about the lineup we have landed for our winter banquet," Whitecaps vice president Jim Jarecki said. "The firepower we have will only add to the enthusiasm leading up to what we expect will be a perfect event.

"Last year's winter banquet drew just over 1,000. This year, we plan to cap the event at 1,000 again."