Was Fielder Worth It??

Yesterday, Prince Fielder agreed in terms to a deal with the Detroit Tigers, totaling $214 million dollars over 9 years. Many people were shocked to see Fielder sign with the Tigers, as Tigers GM, Dave Dombrowski recently said "Of course we'd consider Prince Fielder, but realistically it's probably not a good fit. We anticipate Victor Martinez coming back in 2013 and playing at the level he was at last season. I would just say the fit is really not there at this point." So if it wasn't a good fit, what changed?

Following the announcement, most of the national media, wondered what the Tigers plan would be with Prince. Would he become the team's first baseman, the DH, or a little of both. With another MVP candidate, Miguel Cabrera, also a 1st baseman on the roster, people weren't sure what position they would both play. That question was quickly answered, as Cabrera, a former 3rd baseman, volunteered to move back to 3B, for the good of the team. With Cabrera going back to 3rd and Fielder opposite of Cabrera at 1st, the Tigers now have one of the most dangerous lineups in baseball, even with them missing Victor Martinez. Along with a dreaded 1-2 punch in the lineup, they also get to send out the reigning MVP, Justin Verlander, every 5th day still.

So to answer the question of, "Was Fielder worth it?," I have to say absolutely. Though the contract may be a little longer than normal, I don't think the money was too much. He is an extremely durable player, missing a total of 13 games in 6 full seasons. He is a lifetime .282 hitter, averaging 37 home runs and 102 RBI's every year. With those numbers and durability whether he hits in front of or behind Cabrera, in my opinion, the Tigers are my odds on favorite to win the AL Central, as well as the American League.