Highly touted free agent Prince Fielder, having spent his last seven years playing for the Milwaukee Brewers, is now headed to play for the Detroit Tigers after signing a 9 year/$214 million deal. Pairing with Miguel Cabrera, the Tigers now arguably have the best 1-2 punch in the majors. Fielder hit .282 with 230 home runs while with the Brew Crew and will be looking to add to those numbers with the Tigers. The jump to the American League shouldn’t be too much of an issue for Fielder as he has hit very well in interleague play and has hit both lefties and righties well throughout his career. Should be interesting to see how far the Detroit Tigers can go next season.

After a wild 59 minutes and 45 seconds, the 49ers sat at the Saints 14 yard line with :15 seconds left and one timeout remaining. Figuring to take one of two shots at the end zone, Alex Smith lined up, seen man coverage and threw a dart right into the chest of his Pro Bowl tight end Vernon Davis, who caught the pass and took a hit from safety Roman Harper but held on to give the 49ers the win. It was one of the greatest plays in a storied franchises history. The Saints fought hard and didn’t make it easy by any means, nearly snatching victory a mere 1:23 prior when Jimmy Graham broke free for a 66 yard TD catch. For coach Jim Harbaugh, winning in his first season has been as common as a Patrick Willis tackle, but to win in his first postseason game was simply amazing. Alex Smith continued to show that he wasn’t a bust and just needed the right coaching and the rest of the team continued their high level of play.

To add to the great year, the 49ers watch Sunday as the New York Giants upended the #1 seed Green Bay Packers to make the NFC Championship game, meaning San Francisco will host the game against a Giants team they beat 27-20 in week 10. The Niners are a 2.5 point favorite and have a big chance to win and make the Super Bowl, where they are 5-0 in franchise history. Could the 49ers win #6 this year? With the way their season has gone, it is a high possibility and I know myself and every other 49er fan would be ecstatic if they did.

In Arseanl’s 3rd round FA Cup match vs Leeds United today, the legendary Thierry Henry netted the game winner after coming on as a 68th minute sub. A mere ten minutes after replacing Marouane Chamakh, Henry took a ball from Alex Song, took one touch to compose himself, and put it down in the corner past Leeds keeper Andy Lonergan. It was reminiscent of Henry’s earlier days at Highbury netting goal after goal for Arsene Wenger ‘s Arsenal squads.  After scoring, the crowd erupted and Henry showed as much emotion as any one man could. Slapping the crest on his jersey, screaming and just showing pure joy over the strike. Henry did stop to hug Wenger, as many stood in applause, most notably David Beckham and Samir Nasri. Anyone who doubted that Henry still has it is looking real foolish right now.

Three weeks ago Thierry Henry was honored with a bronze statue outside Arsenal’s stadium. Fast forward three weeks and the greatest player in club history will be returning on a two month loan. From 1999-2007, Henry scored a club record 226 goals, a number he’s sure to add to. Manager Arsene Wenger is ready for Henry’s experience to come in and be a factor for the club, especially with Gervinho and Chamakh leaving for the African Nations cup in the near future. ”To cover for two months is ideal,” Wenger said. “He has the experience and the quality. He knows the club and can help the players on and off the pitch.”

Henry returning could be a boost to Dutchman Robin van Persie, who has been on a tear for the Gunners. At 34, Henry isn’t what he used to be, but is still feared by many defenders and keepers as he can still score inside and outside the box and with both feet. If Henry comes in and helps the Gunners in their Champions League matches, many people will be ecstatic.

One other thing that comes to mind with Henry’s return is jersey number. Current wingman Theo Walcott wears the 14 shirt that Henry once donned. Will Henry take back the number during this two month stint or will he wear another jersey? The number twelve could be an option as the Frenchman wore that during his illustrious International career. We will see most likely on Jan 9th as that will probably be Henry’s return match as Arsenal played Leeds United in the 3rd round of the FA Cup.

Stoke City midfielder Jermaine Pennant decided to make sure he’s seen when riding around by getting his $200,000 Aston Martin DBS chrome painted. Not one to shy away from a camera or tabloids, (See past girlfriend issues and cars), Pennant has played in 24 matches for Stoke this year, with having four assists, three coming in Europa League play. Pennant has played all over over his career (Which started in 1998 with Notts County) and has been a solid, albeit troubled midfielder. The car looks fly but it’s time to turn his attention to his form and tear up the pitch for Stoke in the Premiership.

After three years with the San Diego Padres, pitcher Mat Latos is on the move to Cincinnati. Traded Saturday morning, Latos ended up with the Reds while the Padres acquired Edinson Volquez, Yonder Alonzo and Yasmani Grandal. Over the last three seasons, Latos is 27-29 with a 3.37 ERA and has 413 SO in 429.2 IP. It’s a peculiar trade for both teams in the sense that Latos brought in a big haul for the Padres, while the Reds gave up alot for a guy who will be their #2 starter. My opinion is the deal was done as the Reds believe they can win the National League Central with the Cardinals losing Albert Pujols, the Brewers possibly losing Prince Fielder and having Ryan Braun suspended and the Reds knowing Joey Votto wants to be paid. I think the Padres got the better end of the dealm especially if Volquez returns to form. It’s a high risk-high reward type deal for the Reds, but it shows they’re all in for the 2012 season.

Darren

In need of a small forward who could score, the Los Angeles Clippers handed Caron butler a 3 year/$24 million deal Thursday. Debating between LA, Chicago, San Antonio, and New Jersey, Butler decided that playing with Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon was the most enticing option. Butler only played in 29 games last season with the champion Mavericks before rupturing his patellar tendon but Caron feels that his knee is back to 100% and is ready to help the Clippers reach the playoffs in 2012.

After a flurry of rumors and negotiations, free agent slugger Albert Pujols signed Thursday morning with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for 10 years/$254 million.Pujols’ deal is the third contract to hit the $250 million barrier and the second highest deal of all time. A lifetime .328 hitter, Pujols gives takes care of one glaring weakness the team had; a cleanup hitter. This contract leaves the Angels in a good situation as they have many other holes to fix but have a surplus of talent they could move for pieces. Kendry Morales is due back from injury as well as 2011 breakout Mark Trumbo. The Angels instantly upgraded with Pujols but will need to piece together the rest of their lineup if they want to compete with the Red Sox, Yankees, Tigers and Rangers for AL supremacy.

Seattle Mariners outfielder Greg Halman was fatally stabbed to death early Monday and his 22-year-old brother was arrested as the suspect. Halman, 24, was a talented up and coming outfielder in the Mariners system and had appeared in 35 games last season while priming himself for an Opening Day roster spot for 2012. It’s a tragic end to a young mans life, and especially tragic to the Halman family and the Mariners’ organization.

Today is the great Ken Griffey Jr.’s 42nd birthday and I would like to personally wish Griffey a Happy Birthday and thank him for all the great memories over the years. Griffey was, is, and always will be my favorite player of all-time and I can’t wait for his Hall of Fame speech!