And that's a good thing.The Twins picked up Hunter's 2007 option, which means they will pay him $12 million for one season.
I don't think bringing Hunter back for $12 million is exactly a great move, but I like it better than the alternatives. This team will have a great shot at a World Series next year, and Hunter could be a big part of it.
Hunter's glove declined considerably this year, and his ill-fated dive in Game 2 of the ALDS effectively ended the team's season.
But had the Twins let him walk (which still would've cost them $2.5 million) they'd be left with either a Lew Ford/Jason Tyner platoon in center, or they'd be sifting through a free-agent market of second-tier CF's.
Hunter earned this contract with his September hitting (.314, 9 HR), and with Mauer, Morneau and Cuddyer in front of him he's a better hitter.
He's also a great clubhouse guy, and one of my (and many Twins fans) personal favorites.
He wants a long-term deal, and whether or not the Twins offer him one will likely depend on how healthy he is next year. If he's a below average defensive CF again, it will likely be his last year with the team.
1 comment:
I hate to say this, but I think Tori Hunter might be on his downslide now, I think the twins are making a good decision by waiting to see how he performs next year.
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