9 years and $214 mill for Prince Fielder is a huge swing by the Tigers who came out of nowhere to rip him. And Prince better chip off a mill or two for Victor Martinez because Detroit’s not dropping that kind of cash if Vic’s ACL is still intact. And to the question of did they pay too much, for too long. They did. And they didn’t. They did if there’s no voidable years and they’re looking to get value for their dough over the length of the contract. But they didn’t if they’re looking to get a ring or even two at some point in the contract.

Sure, the back end of the deal is going to be ugly…, but like Albert Pujols, this deal isn’t about years 6 through 9, it’s about 1 through 5 and getting that ring team owner Mike Ilitch wants so desperately. The Tigers could have won the AL Central without Fielder, but there’s no way they sniff a ring without him. Not with the moves the Angels, Yankees and Rangers made this offseason. And not with the rosters the Red Sox and Rays already have. That’s a big boy’s league, all the whales got down and Ilitch just pushed all his to the center of the table. And threw in his watch.

Photos: Newest Tigers Addition

And speaking of whales, stop sending me emails asking if Fielder’s being paid in Little Caesar’s. My man’s not fat: he’s just big boned. And he’s durable. The guy has missed 13 games in 6 years. Sure, dudes with that physique don’t hold up well in the long run, but this deal isn’t’ about the long run; it’s about the title run. And last year, the Tigers were just a bat away. And now they have it.