Article: Torii Hunter is Returning to the Twins

[zchrz]

Well, now that I've read the Strib comments (at least the ones so far), I get what the Twins were hoping for -- almost universally positive, 

 Has anyone checked hell?  Is it frozen over?

[Bark's Lounge]

10.5M?  Holy schnikes.....why on earth that much?

To over pay him and make sure he did not go to the Rangers I am guessing? The Twins must have really, really wanted him.

[cmb0252]

Needs:

Upgrade OF defense

Top of the rotation pitching

 

What we do:

Sign a player who negatively affects both our needs. Who cares about helping the team win when you can sell more tickets?!?!

 

I just started my 2015 draft boards but I guess I better start looking into the 2016 draft also.

[Brananorama]

Moving Arcia to left field would be so short sighted. Rosario is not going to be RF. They desperately need a player with range in LF and they signed another DH.

That's perhaps my biggest problem with the deal. We HAVE our right fielder. We've even been speculating a move of Sano or Plouffe out to left field. Why take Arcia out of his position simply to accomodate Hunter? You want him to show some leadership? Why not assign him to left and let him show the young guys how he handles it.

[Md34]

Anyone else feel like picketing Twinsfest at this moment?

[PseudoSABR]

What can I say, I'm sentimental.  For my part, I like what this says about the Twins as an organization (in so far as a worthwhile place to work).  It's hard to imagine that a contender wouldn't match what the Twins offered.  It's cool Torii wanted to come back, probably when he didn't have to, and he will have few, if any more opportunities to compete. 

 

While I'd prefer to watch meaningful baseball in 2015, the notion was always only at the edge of realism.   If 2015 is about development, I don't see why Hunter doesn't make sense.  Sure, he showboats, but from what I know about the player is that he's passionate (Morneau-swing/Punto hit, etc.) and has faced real-life adversity (his father).  Again, this is sentimental, but this deal is as much about Hicks, Rosario, Buxton and the others as it is Hunter's actual production and liability.

Edited December 3, 2014 by PseudoSABR

[Md34]

Enjoy, the last number is the best...

Value
1997 Twins 0.0 0.0   0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0   
1998 Twins -1.0 -0.4 -4.0 0.1 -1.4 -3.9 0.1 0.6 -4.7 -0.5   
1999 Twins -16.3 -0.7 3.0 0.3 -17.0 3.3 1.4 13.6 1.4 0.1   
2000 Twins -10.4 -0.5 -4.0 1.4 -11.0 -2.6 1.3 11.6 -0.7 -0.1   
2001 Twins 0.5 -0.8 20.0 2.2 -0.4 22.2 2.1 18.8 42.8 4.2   
2002 Twins 16.6 4.1 3.0 2.0 20.7 5.0 2.3 18.4 46.4 4.6 $13.0 $2.4
2003 Twins -4.1 -0.5 16.2 1.9 -4.6 18.1 2.4 19.8 35.7 3.5 $9.9 $4.8
2004 Twins 4.4 3.0 1.4 0.8 7.4 2.2 1.8 17.7 29.1 2.8 $8.8 $6.5
2005 Twins 4.2 2.5 2.0 0.9 6.6 2.8 1.5 12.7 23.7 2.4 $8.1 $8.0
2006 Twins 9.9 0.2 -8.0 1.7 10.1 -6.3 1.7 19.2 24.7 2.4 $8.8 $10.8
2007 Twins 12.9 0.0 -2.7 1.9 12.8 -0.8 2.4 20.1 34.6 3.4 $13.8 $12.0
2008 Angels 10.3 3.0 -10.2 1.1 13.3 -9.2 2.0 18.5 24.7 2.5 $11.1 $16.5
2009 Angels 17.8 2.2 -1.3 1.2 20.0 -0.1 1.8 15.4 37.1 3.7 $16.7 
2010 Angels 19.5 -4.4 -2.7 -1.7 15.1 -4.4 2.6 19.1 32.4 3.4 $13.5 
2011 Angels 11.1 -1.1 -0.9 -8.1 10.0 -9.0 2.1 18.9 21.9 2.3 $10.4 
2012 Angels 21.1 4.8 11.2 -6.4 25.9 4.8 1.8 17.3 49.8 5.2 $23.5 
2013 Tigers 12.6 0.0 -4.1 -6.4 12.6 -10.5 2.9 18.6 23.6 2.5 $12.7 
2014 Tigers 8.6 0.3 -18.3 -6.5 8.9 -24.7 2.4 16.6 3.1 0.3 $1.8

[howeda7]

I don't have a huge issue with it, as long as he only plays 80-90 games mostly against lefties. $10.5 million is too much for a part-time player, but I'm not a Pohlad heir, so I don't give a $%^.

 

My only fear is that at that price, they'll stubbornly run him out there 150 times. If Gardy was still here it would be a certainty. I hope Mollie knows better.

Edited December 3, 2014 by howeda7

[Brananorama]

My only fear is that at that price, they'll stubbornly run him out there 150 times to his detriment. If Gardy was still here it would be a certainty. I hope Mollie knows better.

 

That all, of course, depends on whether or not he's with the club come August.

[Twins Twerp]

Why are we complaining about the money? So what? Terry still can go after pitching. It doesnt matter what or who is signed. No such thing as a bad one year deal am i right. It is an overpay sure, but it isnt YOUR money. Hunter can still hit some and will sell a lot of jerseys, tickets, and sweet commercials on fsn.

 

I would rather have tori for 1 year than Cruz for 57 for 4. Rasmus? He and his dad are menaces and he is a poor teamate. This move, if added with another mid tier pitcher, would make this offseason a success. Quit complaining twins fans.

[SarasotaBill]

It will be interesting to see what Rios signs for.

I assume much less.

 

Hunter signing is all about catering to the casual fan.

 

10.5 million - maybe enables the Twins to win 2-3 more games this year.

 

No long term strategy.

[Twins Twerp]

Plus Tori is going to stay with Twins in some capacity after his playing days. Maybe he goes on a rivera, jeter tour this season. Seattle and texaswere hard on him too.

[pierre75275]

I am not thrilled with this but it could ...could work out IF

Torii teaches Hicks how to hit

Torii teaches Arcia how to field

Torii fires up the clubhouse without punching anybody out

 

then I like it. Did Schaffer get non tendered?

[Mike Sixel]

So they move the young guy with a future out of position so they can sign a 39 year old.......how does that help when they are good?

[Brananorama]

Did Schaffer get non tendered?

I doubt he will, we still need outfield depth on the bench.

[Seth Stohs]

I love the complete overreaction here. It's fun to read. 

 

I've been against the Twins signing Hunter all offseason too. I do think the Leadership angle, which will be a mantra, is overrated. We know his defense isn't great. The biggest thing that bugs me is that it's moving Arcia to left field.

 

That said, it's not the end of the world. He's been very good for a long time. Is he going to be work $10 million again? Maybe not, though he certainly could be. I know his range is down, but he'll make the plays he gets to, and he'll certainly get to more than some of their outfielders got last year. 

 

I like the one-year aspect of it. $10.5M is, well, who cares? It's not like it'll stop them from signing anyone else that might come here. Rasmus probably would be signed for 3-4 years.

 

Rosario isn't ready. He had a nice showing in the AFL that is encouraging, but he's likely not going to be up before July. Who knows? If he plays half-way well, he could be traded for something.  

 

Definitely not the end of the world, the sky isn't falling or anything like that. 

[ALessKosherScott]

So instead of erecting a Torii Hunter statue at Target Field, we decided to bring back the statue that is Torii Hunter back to solve our outfield defense problems?

[big dog]

My 20-yr-old daughter, who has been to more games than I have over the last 3 years, is shrieking with excitement.  So if that was their plan, it worked.  I hope to be won over, eventually.

[stringer bell]

First of all, Torii has been a marvel since he left Minnesota.  He certainly can be an example on how to take care of himself, and probably how to prepare for each and every game.  Obviously, his hitting has remained strong despite his advanced age. 

 

However, the move smacks of a blind spot  or willfully ignoring Hunter's regression in the field.  Further, I liked leaving Arcia in right field and I think putting him in the larger corner is a tactical mistake and moving him back and forth depending on whether Hunter is in the lineup is the worst idea.  I think Hunter's value off the field is real, but a mixed blessing.

 

The $10.5M is real money, but it only becomes important if it means the Twins check out of all free agent shopping for this off-season.  Now, what happens if Buxton, Rosario, and/or Sano tear it up in Chattanooga or Rochester?  Hunter takes at-bats from the future and most likely isn't enough of a positive to make the Twins a contender in 2015.  It also means we're stuck with Schafer as Plan A in center fielder or giving Aaron Hicks another chance after failing/disappointing the last two years. 

 

No, I can't buy into this move.  I would much rather have seen the Twins trade for Chris Heisey from the Reds and save the money spent on Hunter for pitching.   

Edited December 3, 2014 by stringer bell

[Md34]

Sunny Seth yet again...

[nater79a]

Twins have too many DH types on the roster without much defensive ability.  Pinto, Hunter, Arcia, Vargas... Have to believe there are more deals coming via the trade route.

[jokin]

To over pay him and make sure he did not go to the Rangers I am guessing? The Twins must have really, really wanted him.

 

To be fair to Ryan, he has stayed on message since season's end...  he said he needed a veteran RH bat for the outfield, and he has made it very public that Hunter has always been his guy, even employing two members of the new field-level staff(and former teammates) to recruit him.  But in signing Hunter, he's gone down an all-too-familiar path (DHs everywhere!), and gone after more intangible "needs" and less of the tangible needs from the data that Jack Goin could have provided.  

 

I echo the previously-stated sentiment, including my own, now more than ever, they have to trade for Bourjos or draft Deshields or Ramos in Rule V for whom Hunter could add value as a mentor. 

Edited December 3, 2014 by jokin

[Otto von Ballpark]

Definitely not the end of the world, the sky isn't falling or anything like that. 

Seth, if "not the end of the world" is your endorsement of our first big player move of the offseason... then it's probably not a good move.  It's OK to say that, and I am not sure why that counts as a "complete overreaction".

 

$10.5 mil is the 2nd largest outside FA AAV the Twins have ever given out.

[jokin]

First of all, Torii has been a marvel since he left Minnesota.  He certainly can be an example on how to take care of himself, and probably how to prepare for each and every game.  Obviously, his hitting has remained strong despite his advanced age. 

 

However, the move smacks of a blind spot  or willfully ignoring Hunter's regression in the field.  Further, I liked leaving Arcia in right field and I think putting him in the larger corner is a tactical mistake and moving him back and forth depending on whether Hunter is in the lineup is the worst idea.  I think Hunter's value off the field is real, but a mixed blessing.

 

The $10.5M is real money, but it only becomes important if it means the Twins check out of all free agent shopping for this off-season.  Now, what happens if Buxton, Rosario, and/or Sano tear it up in Chattanooga or Rochester?  Hunter takes at-bats from the future and most likely isn't enough of a positive to make the Twins a contender in 2015. 

 

It also means we're stuck with Schafer as Plan A in center fielder or giving Aaron Hicks another chance after failing/disappointing the last two years. 

 

No, I can't buy into this move.  I would much rather have seen the Twins trade for Chris Heisy from the Reds and save the money spent on Hunter for pitching.   

 

 

Not necessarily true.  They can still trade for Bourjos or Fowler, or draft Deshields.  And also, Rosario could come up as the CF if he gets off to a good start in the minors.

Edited December 3, 2014 by jokin

[Shane Wahl]

Not really too bothered by this. Certainly this should end the Parmelee era and the Nunez era. And Torii might be having his cake and eating it too. He likes coming "home" and doesn't have to immediately join a mere potential contender. Instead he can enjoy his time back and wait for a real contender who might need his bat for the playoffs.

[Otto von Ballpark]

To be fair to Ryan, he has stayed on message since season's end...  he said he needed a veteran RH bat for the outfield

The last time I remember hearing about our need for a RH outfield bat, it was to replace Hunter, and we traded for Delmon Young... obviously this is nowhere near as bad as that move, but that does not make this is a good move.

[big dog]

So I just talked to my 80-year-old mother on the phone.  I said "Did you hear who the Twins signed?"  And before I could say who, she said "Oh no, not him again!"  I laughed pretty hard.

 

OK, I've told everyone how my mother and daughter responded.  I won't share any more family stories tonight.  My wife doesn't care anyway.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

That all, of course, depends on whether or not he's with the club come August.

Hunter, Molitor, or Ryan? With moves like this, all three could be gone by August.

[neli21]

What can I say, I'm sentimental.  For my part, I like what this says about the Twins as an organization (in so far as a worthwhile place to work).  It's hard to imagine that a contender wouldn't match what the Twins offered.  It's cool Torii wanted to come back, probably when he didn't have to, and he will have few, if any more opportunities to compete. 

 

While I'd prefer to watch meaningful baseball in 2015, the notion was always only at the edge of realism.   If 2015 is about development, I don't see why Hunter doesn't make sense.  Sure, he showboats, but from what I know about the player is that he's passionate (Morneau-swing/Punto hit, etc.) and has faced real-life adversity (his father).  Again, this is sentimental, but this deal is as much about Hicks, Rosario, Buxton and the others as it is Hunter's actual production and liability.

 

I think you hit the nail on the head with the second paragraph. Moreover, this signing tells me that the Twins may finally be getting serious in injecting leadership and personality into the clubhouse, along with someone who can show the next wave of players what it means to be a professional. We are well aware that those are things that the current veteran leadership does not have. 

 

But as far as your first paragraph goes, I am more cynical. To me, Hunter choosing to come back boils down to pretty simple logic. Nobody really knows who the contenders will be in December, so he signed with the team most likely to trade him to once when the picture clears up in July. The Twins get an infusion of needed leadership in Spring Training and the first half of the season, and Hunter gets some say in where he ends up playing in September, and hopefully into October. It's a win-win, though a risk in that Hunter has to be banking on playing well enough for there to be an actual market for him at that time. If not, I guess its not all bad on a one-year deal and nearing retirement. 

Edited December 3, 2014 by neli21

[Otto von Ballpark]

Hunter, Molitor, or Ryan? With moves like this, all three could be gone by August.

Okay, there's the complete overreaction Seth was talking about.