Which statement about the 2003 Detroit Tigers is NOT true?

The statement regarding the signing of free agent Justin Verlander is not accurate because Verlander was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 2004 and made his Major League Baseball debut with them in 2005. While he later became one of the most successful pitchers in baseball, he was not a free agent signing by the Tigers. Instead, he was developed within the organization and rose to prominence as a key player for the team.

In contrast, the other statements provide correct information. The 2003 Detroit Tigers indeed had a historically poor season, finishing with a record of 43-119, which is often cited as one of the worst in Major League Baseball history. In 2006, the St. Louis Cardinals had a successful season, winning the World Series, while the Tigers showcased considerable improvement that year but were not as dominant as the Cardinals. Additionally, Magglio Ordonez was indeed selected as an All-Star during his career, reflecting his success and recognition as a top player in the league.