By now we've been deluged with virtually every angle of the Prince Fielder signing by the Tigers.
Everything from when did the courting begin to his relationship with his father to the short- and long-term impact this stunning acquisition will have on the Detroit franchise.
It certainly has been quite a week for our beloved Bengals. Euphoria has swept through Detroit with visions of a World Series championship dancing through our collective heads.
Owner Mike Ilitch has brought home one of our -- sort of -- native sons, and if Ilitch isn't the greatest Detroiter of all time, he's pretty darn close.
There are many reasons to feel good about Prince Fielder being a Tiger. As a matter of fact, there really isn't really anything negative about Fielder coming to Detroit.
Out of the numerous storylines to emerge during the past week, the one that has stuck with me was the question about Fielder being "husky" -- a term that I last heard when Federals was still a department store -- and if there was a weight clause in his contract.
Listed at 5'11 and 275 pounds, Prince Fielder is not only overweight, he's obese. His mass body index (BMI) is 38.4; anything 30 and over is considered obese.
And I for one say, "Way to go, Prince!"
Portly Prince should be a positive symbol to anyone who struggles with their weight.
America loves to make fun out fat people. Being fat is the scarlet letter of the United States. Dieting and starving oneself is our new national pastime.
Guess what? A FAT GUY just signed the fourth-richest contract in baseball history.
I'm not saying that being overweight is a good thing and not a health risk. But look at all the pictures of little Prince Fielder and except for his age, he was never little.
Growing up large, regardless if your father's a professional athlete, could not have been easy. In reality, his appearance and having a dad that was a baseball star probably led to countless doubters while young Fielder was trying to forge his career in baseball.
Yet, despite his size and detractors, he persevered and is now among the best power hitters of his generation.
And that's my point. Just because someone is large, doesn't mean they lack talent, don't have dreams and feelings.
Since our society can't get past somebody's girth, most large people feel alienated, under-appreciated and self-conscience.
Maybe that will change now that our portly Prince and some of our other plus-size Tigers are contenders for a World Series title.
Fielder's size will eventually become an issue if it negatively affects his game. He might finish out his contract as the Tigers everyday designated hitter, but that's for tomorrow.
Tomorrow is also when I'll start my diet, because today it's all about officially welcoming Prince Fielder in my own way.
Six Coney Islands smothered with onions and a few beers should do the trick.
