Prince Fielder, former Milwaukee Brewer first baseman, has agreed to terms on a nine year, $214 million contract with the Detroit Tigers. The St. Louis Cardinals are used to Fielder, and are probably relieved they don’t have to play his new team nearly as much as they do the Brewers.

“No team likes playing against huge hitters all the time,” Freshman Ethan Leong says.

Fielder at bat against the Cardinals in August. (Peter Baugh)

Fielder’s contract was similar to that of Albert Pujols, though Pujols got one more year signing with the Los Angeles Angels. Though the short term results will be good for the Tigers, people do worry that Fielders age will be a burden, and his play will decline.

Victor Martinez, Tigers catcher and first baseman, recently was ruled out for the season. This is most likely why the Tigers went after a bit bat like Fielder, who can also play First Base.

Detroit is coming off of a strong season, where they reached the American League Championship Series, but fell short to the Texas Rangers. The Tigers have reigning A.L. MVP and Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander, along with sluggers such as Miguel Cabrera and defensive phenom Austin Jackson. Detroit plays in a division with the Minnisota Twins, Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox, and Kansas City Royals, none of which are ready to take a jump and become division champions.

Leong says, “Detriot is a good team that is going to start getting closer to the World Series every year.”

(Photo By Peter Baugh)