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FOX Spotlight: Torii Hunter
2008-05-15 13:36:00 FOXSports.com catches up with Angels center fielder Torii Hunter. Find out about Hunter’s transition to Southern California and if he can hold his own as a singer. Click here to view the video. Read the full story.
By: MLB News Blog
Torii Hunter: The 21st Century Jackie Robinson
2008-04-26 21:56:00 Much like Jackie Robinson, Torii Hunter has been ill-treated by opposing fans. When Jackie Robinson of the Brooklyn Dodgers broke major league baseball?s color barrier back in 1947, he experienced harassment at the hands of both players and fans. In one game against the Philadelphia Phillies
By: A Wikia Wiki
Torii Hunter (OF-LAA)
2008-04-11 18:26:00 Through the first 10 games of the season Hunter is batting .308(12-39) with 7R 1D 4HR 8RBI 2BB 1SB and 8K. Hunter is leading the American League in Homeruns.
By: The RotoFeed
Torii Hunter homers to help Los Angeles Angels knock off the Minnesota Twin
2008-04-04 11:35:00 For Torii Hunter, it was the perfect finish to a difficult opening series. In the final game of an emotional return to the Metrodome, Hunter homered leading off the seventh inning to back a strong start from Ervin Santana and help the Los Angeles Angels beat the Minnesota Twins 5-4 on Thursday. Prior to ...
By: MLB News Blog
Detroit Tigers, Torii Hunter have disappointing starts (AP)
2008-04-01 11:05:00 Opening day didn’t live up to expectations for the Detroit Tigers and the Los Angeles Angels’ Torii Hunter. Then again, at least they got to play. The $138 million Tigers opened with a thud as Tony Pena Jr. hit a two-out, tiebreaking single in the 11th inning that boosted the Kansas City Royals over ...
By: MLB News Blog
Torii Hunter, OF - ANA
2008-02-29 05:38:00 Angels' Hunter has two hits from cleanup spot Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.
By: The RotoFeed
TORII HUNTER TALKS TACOS AND SUN TANS
2007-11-29 09:15:00 The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim’s newest acquisition, Torii Hunter is working his way into the L.A. life. He’s shopping for expensive homes, thinking about hanging out at the beach, and taking in Los Angeles Lakers games. Joel Myers handles the tv pbp for the LAL, and he interviewed Torii Hunter during the Lakers/Sonics game. JM: ...
By: You Been Blinded
Waiting for Miguel Cabrera, Angels leap for Torii Hunter (AP)
2007-11-29 00:32:00 Unsure whether his team could work out a trade for Miguel Cabrera, Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno didn’t waste time when new general manager Tony Reagins suggested they try to add offense by signing Torii Hunter. “Obviously, we’ve been negotiating the Cabrera deal, and we have not been able to consummate that deal. Read the ...
By: MLB News Blog
No deal yet, but Los Angeles Angels introduce Torii Hunter (AP)
2007-11-28 18:59:00 Torii Hunter got a news conference from the Los Angeles Angels even before he finalized his contract. Hunter was introduced Wednesday along with Jon Garland, acquired in a trade with the Chicago White Sox. Hunter, a seven-time Gold Glove center fielder, reached a preliminary agreement Nov. 21 on a $90 million, five-year contract but has ...
By: MLB News Blog
Anaheim Angels signs Torii Hunter
2007-11-27 05:56:00 Anaheim Angels and Torii Hunter reached a preliminary agreement on a five-year contract. The contract is worth at least $80 million. “They play the game the right way,” he said. “They play hard-nosed baseball.” “Not only is he an outstanding ballplayer but he’s also an outstanding human being. He’ll impact our ball club and community in a ...
By: Pabaon Sports
The Impact of the Torii Hunter Deal; An Overstocked Outfield and Miguel Tej
2007-11-23 21:41:00 With the signing of Torii Hunter by the Los Angeles Angles of Anaheim, they finally have the protection that was sorely needed in the middle of the order for their slugger, Vladmir Guerrero.Now that Hunter is in center field, Los Angeles now has a loaded outfield with Gary Matthews, Guerrero, Garrett Anderson, outstanding youngster Reggie Willits, and Gary Matthews, Jr.However, what happens with all the players they have accumulated?I say one of them gets traded --- perhaps Willits. Alas, this is where the Orioles come in.As I mentioned a few day ago in a post, the Angels have targeted Miguel Tejada as part of potential solution to the left side of the infield for the past two seasons. With the trade of Orlando Cabrera earlier this week, it looks Los Angeles is setting itself up for a trade to get Marlins? slugger Miguel Cabrera, or perhaps get Tejada as a second option.That being said, if the Angels do go after Tejada, who do the Orioles go after?With players such as Brandon Wood, ...
By: The Oriole Post
New Angel in the Outfield: Torii Hunter agrees to 5 year, $90 million deal
2007-11-23 00:22:00 Late Wednesday night, the Los Angeles Angels agreed to a 5 year, $90 million deal with outfielder Torii Hunter. The agreement is pending on a physical from Hunter. The 32 year old hit .297 along with 28 home runs and 107 RBI's this past season with the Minnesota Twins. The gold glover was
By: A Wikia Wiki
Torii Hunter - Additional Thoughts
2007-11-22 18:08:00 Random thoughts in the aftermath of the Torii Hunter shocker... We can't really say whether the Hunter signing was about money or winning, because a winning team made an offer far beyond any other club. It is inconclusive. U.S.S. Mariner notes that Hunter received the same contract Ichiro did, but he's not the same caliber of player. David Pinto sees a very old Angels outfield in the future. The Rangers were at five years, $75MM with a club option for 2013. Both Texas and the White Sox may now turn their attention to Aaron Rowand. Suddenly his perception that he's a $14MM player seems more realistic. The Twins must be pleasantly surprised - they get the Angels' 27th overall pick next June. All the other teams thought to be in the mix for Hunter had their first round picks protected. The loss of the pick just accentuates how much the Halos overpaid here. showad();
By: The RotoFeed
Torii Hunter Signs With The Angels!
2007-11-22 17:10:00 It looks like the Angels have a newly acquired big ticket item on their squad. I didn't expect this, but Los Angeles has signed center-fielder Torii Hunter. The move gives the Angels not only their big bat and protection for Vladmir Guerrero, but also a defensive whiz in centerfield.Outfielder Torii Hunter and the Los Angeles Angels reached a preliminary agreement Wednesday night on a five-year contract thought to be worth at least $80 million.The agreement is subject to a physical."They play the game the right way," Hunter said. "They play hard-nosed baseball."The 32-year-old becomes the much-needed hitter the AL West champions sought to protect Vladimir Guerrero in the batting order. Hunter hit .297 with 28 homers and 107 RBIs for the Minnesota Twins this year and is a seven-time Gold Glove winner.Now it leaves us to wonder what happens with Gary Matthews, who only hit north of .250 last year, and got into hot water earlier in the season for his involvement with purchases of HGH ...
By: The Oriole Post
Torii Hunter Signs With Angels
2007-11-22 15:34:00 Who saw this one coming? Now only did he sign on Thanksgiving Day, but Torii Hunter signed with the Angels. The news broke a little after midnight. It's a five-year contract for $90MM. That's a surprising $18MM annually for those poor in math. No one even knew the two sides were talking! Hunter just isn't an $18MM player to me. I can see why he jumped on this. The Halos now have six players for three outfield spots and one DH spot. Hunter will always be in center, and Vlad will always be at DH or in right. So then only two of Garret Anderson, Juan Rivera, Reggie Willits, and Gary Matthews Jr. will be in the lineup (unless someone goes to first base and knocks Casey Kotchman to the bench). GM Tony Reagins says this doesn't affect his other dealings, so perhaps he's created these outfield and pitching surpluses to acquire Miguel Cabrera or Miguel Tejada. Willits would be appealing to the Marlins, I imagine. showad();
By: The RotoFeed
Torii Hunter will give Los Angeles Angels new options, protection for Guerr
2007-11-22 10:28:00 Vladimir Guerrero finally will have some protection in the batting order. The Los Angeles Angels, who have been trying to land another strong hitter for several years, agreed to a five-year, $90 million deal Wednesday with free agent Torii Hunter, who hit .297 with 28 homers and drove in 107 runs for Minnesota this year. Read ...
By: MLB News Blog
Indy Racing Revolution :: Torii Hunter, Angels Agree to 5 Year/$90M Deal
2007-11-22 09:11:00 The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have reached a preliminary agreement with free-agent center fielder Torii Hunter on a five-year, $90 Million contract.Hunter, 32, had spent his entire major league career with the Minnesota Twins prior to signing with the Angels. Hunter hit .287/.334/.505 in 2007 while collecting his seventh career Gold Glove Award.Analysis: Given Hunter’s ...
CF Torii Hunter and Los Angeles Angels reach preliminary agreement on $90 m
2007-11-22 07:30:00 Outfielder Torii Hunter and the Los Angeles Angels reached a preliminary agreement Wednesday night on a $90 million, five-year contract. The deal is subject to Hunter passing a physical. Hunter obviously was surprised the Angels were even interested in him. On Nov. 22, the Angels agreed to a $50 million, five-year deal with Gary Matthews ...
By: MLB News Blog
CF Torii Hunter and the Los Angeles Angels reach preliminary agreement on 5
2007-11-22 06:41:00 Outfielder Torii Hunter and the Los Angeles Angels reached a preliminary agreement Wednesday night on a five-year contract thought to be worth at least $80 million. The agreement is subject to a physical. “They play the game the right way,” Hunter said. “They play hard-nosed baseball.” The 32-year-old becomes the much-needed hitter the AL West ...
By: MLB News Blog
Rangers, Hunter Talking Five Year Deal
2007-11-20 16:55:00 According to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan, Torii Hunter denied the Chicago Sun-Times report that he would sign with the Sox this week. The White Sox, Dodgers, and Rangers remain the major players for Hunter. The Rangers had dinner with Hunter last night; he's their top priority. Currently the two sides are talking about a five-year deal but Jon Daniels doesn't expect anything to happen this week. showad();
By: The RotoFeed
Rangers Step Up Pursuit Of Torii Hunter
2007-11-20 08:47:00 For better or for worse, the Rangers’ pursuit of free agent center fielder Torii Hunter is heating up. T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports that Monday night’s dinner meeting at the home of club owner Tom Hicks was attended by Hunter and his agent, Larry Reynolds, as well as Hicks, his two sons (Alex and Tom Jr.), ...
Hunter, Sox Could Agree This Week
2007-11-20 05:01:00 Torii Hunter might be a White Sox before the week is out. According to Joe Cowley, "'the climate was there for a deal to be announced soon." Of course, Cowley adds that this is unless another team swoops in at the last second with a mind-boggling offer. Next to the White Sox, the Rangers are mentioned most often as Hunter's destination. The Royals also have interest. This report is coming from sources within both the club and Hunter's camp. The two sides have sat down twice, with the financial package being discussed in the latter meeting. Buster Olney has mentioned a six-year, $90 million potential deal with the Rangers (or was he just speculating?). Cowley says that this all fits in with Ken Williams's plan to model the team after the 2005 one: pitching and defense. And while having Juan Uribe (if indeed he does move to second), Orlando Cabrera, and Torii Hunter up the middle is potentially solid for next year, they aren't exactly flush with pitching, and losing Jon Garland ...
By: The RotoFeed
Dodgers Pursuing Aaron Rowand
2007-11-15 19:21:00 Buster Olney's blog today had some good rumors to digest. Olney writes that the Dodgers are making a "heavy play" for Aaron Rowand. Apparently they love the idea of adding a good character guy to the clubhouse. They'd be paying $25MM for Rowand and Juan Pierre in their outfield for the next several years. The Phillies are making a "big play" for Mike Lowell. This certainly doesn't jive with the speculation that the Phils only have $10MM to spend and it's going toward pitching. By the way, Ruben Amaro Jr. ruled out the possibility of signing Torii Hunter. Olney has an exec source who believes Hunter will sign with the Rangers for six years and $90MM. Olney doesn't see Kenny Rogers apologizing to the Rangers anytime soon. Mike Cameron has a better chance of re-signing with the Padres, now that his 2008 season will be reduced by 15% in playing time. Six teams are in on Matt Clement, but he's still expected to land in San Diego. T...
By: The RotoFeed
Rangers Would Require Apology From Rogers
2007-11-15 15:49:00 There was some speculation a few days ago that the "right circumstances" that would allow a Kenny Rogers-Rangers reunion would be an apology to management. Owner Tom Hicks erased any ambiguity on that front today, saying Rogers would have to apologize to the Rangers for them to entertain signing him. Evan Grant notes that made all sorts of apologies after his cameraman incident, but one to the Rangers was conspicuously absent. Rogers, a Scott Boras client, wants a one-year, $10MM contract. The Tigers are still atop his list, but the Rangers, Mariners, Phillies, Dodgers, and Mets could also enter the picture. Regarding Torii Hunter, it turns out Hicks did not attend the Tuesday night dinner. It was just Jon Daniels; maybe Hicks doesn't like Arby's. Hunter has also met with the White Sox and Royals. Grant believes a contract offer from the Rangers could come next week. showad();
By: The RotoFeed
Twins Willing To Trade Garza
2007-11-08 16:48:00 Terry Ryan hung on to his fine corral of young pitchers, and it's hard to find fault with that. However, new GM Bill Smith is open to dealing one of them for a high impact young hitter. Specifically, Joe Christensen says the Twins are willing to move 24 year-old Matt Garza, who posted a 3.69 ERA this year. The price would be huge - the names the Twins have in mind are Delmon Young, B.J. Upton, and Carlos Gomez. Upton, a favorite of theirs, seems like the least available of the three. Marc Topkin agrees that a Young-Garza rumor has been floating around. If the Twins want to make a lesser deal, teams have also been asking about Kevin Slowey and Scott Baker. But those two aren't chopped liver, and Rocco Baldelli doesn't seem like enough. The Padres want in on the young pitchers, but aren't willing to give up third baseman Chase Headley. There's also word in Christensen's article that the Twins haven't heard back from Torii Hunter and Ca...
By: The RotoFeed
Rangers Rumors: DeJesus, Lamb, Millar
2007-11-04 04:42:00 Evan Grant writes for the Dallas Morning News, but he posted this column at night. Go figure. He's got some new info regarding the Rangers. As you know, the Rangers have had difficulty finding a long-term center fielder. That's the main focus of this offseason. The team has already shown interest in Torii Hunter and Aaron Rowand, the top center fielders available. Other free agents such as Andruw Jones and Mike Cameron appear to be in play as well. Grant's trade candidates: Coco Crisp, David DeJesus, Mark Kotsay, and Carlos Beltran. We've speculated on DeJesus to Atlanta in the past. With DeJesus signed cheaply through 2011 and the market at the position robust this winter, it might make sense for Dayton Moore to wait a year to shop him aggressively. Grant adds that Jon Daniels is considering some affordable options for first base. They've already talked to Mike Lamb's agent and like Kevin Millar as well. Lamb came up...
By: The RotoFeed
Nats Make Contact With Hunter, Rowand
2007-11-03 18:50:00 For what it's worth, the Nationals recently made contact with the agents for center fielders Torii Hunter and Aaron Rowand. This really doesn't mean much - I imagine such "initial contact" phone calls are happening all over the place but we only hear about a few of them. It's known that Hunter is interested in playing for Washington, because of the African American community and Dmitri Young's presence. Rowand has also been mentioned before. The Nats have been connected to Coco Crisp and Andruw Jones as well. And on the pitching side they've been linked to Tom Glavine. Jim Bowden has pledged to sign one veteran starter on a one-year deal. I admit that this approach should engage Nationals fans this offseason, even if they don't make a big signing. Is this really the right time to make a four or five-year commitment to a center fielder? It seems better to wait until more young talent develops and then make a strike. &nbs...
By: The RotoFeed
White Sox To Meet With Torii Hunter
2007-11-01 16:33:00 According to Joe Cowley of the Sun-Times, White Sox GM Kenny Williams plans to meet with Torii Hunter next week. They can't talk contract terms, but Williams will work to convince Torii that the South Side is the place to be. Apparently Hunter told a friend he was receptive to the Sox. It seems that five years and $75MM is the minimum Hunter will accept, and the Sox seem prepared to do that. It's a huge commitment for a guy coming off a career year. Plus, Hunter doesn't contribute an above-average OBP, something the White Sox need. Aaron Rowand is the alternative if the Sox can't sign Hunter. Though both are Type A free agents, Chicago's #8 overall pick is protected. Cowley adds that the possibility of signing David Eckstein has caused the White Sox to hold off on Juan Uribe's $5MM option. However Cowley's source says the Sox will pick it up and use Uribe at second or third base if necessary. November 7th is the deadline for Uri...
By: The RotoFeed
Twins Rumors: Hunter, Silva, Slowey
2007-10-29 17:45:00 A couple of Minnesota writers offered speculation today on the Twins' plans. Let's discuss. La Velle E. Neal III expects Torii Hunter to file for free agency today. Meanwhile Ed Thoma sees the White Sox, Rangers, and Cubs as the top contenders. Neal likes the idea of trading for Coco Crisp to play center for the Twins. Personally I would search for a more offensive-minded guy, but as Neal says Crisp could work if big improvements are made at 3B and DH. Thoma expects the Twins to fill this void by trading Boof Bonser or Kevin Slowey, with the Mets, Rays, Reds, and D'Backs as possibilities. That seems to imply a deal for Lastings Milledge, Carlos Gomez, Rocco Baldelli, Ken Griffey Jr., or Carlos Gonzalez. Actually Griffey seems unlikely...Ryan Freel maybe? You tell me. Thoma also predicts that the Twins extend Johan Santana for 5/100. showad();
By: The RotoFeed
Twins Hot Stove: Hunter, Nathan
2007-10-25 20:58:00 It'll be an interesting offseason for the Twins, who have a new GM and two coveted free agents in Torii Hunter and Carlos Silva. Here's the latest. Charley Walters quotes Hunter as saying he hasn't had any contract offers from the Twins since the end of the season. In August, the Twins reportedly offered a three-year, $45MM contract to Hunter. They're apparently open to adding a fourth year, while Hunter would take 5/75 from the Twins. There's still a chance he's re-signed, but Hunter says the chances decrease the longer the team waits. According to Tom Powers, the Twins have contingency plans in place in the event they can't sign Hunter or Silva. The 2008 payroll is expected to increase. It stood at $71.4MM on Opening Day '07. They'll need to spend at least $4MM extra just from current escalating contracts. Also in Powers' article, GM Bill Smith notes the team's continued focus on left-handed hitters who can use a short rig...
By: The RotoFeed
Latest Silva, Hunter Rumors
2007-10-18 21:14:00 Aaron Gleeman and La Velle E. Neal III have combined for some good Twins rumorage in recent days. Let's catch up. Neal had an interesting post yesterday with plenty of Twins hot stove banter. The Twins have talked to Torii Hunter's agent since he rejected their 3/45 offer, but have yet to tender a better offer. The club is also talking to Carlos Silva's agent as they'd like to retain him. Neal feels that both players will at least test the open market. Hunter has seemingly been connected to half the teams in baseball; you can see all posts involving him here. Today Gleeman added another club to the mix: the Reds. Gleeman's source talks to Dusty Baker, who has suggested the Reds might be interested. That'd create a definite outfielder surplus in Cincy. Gleeman also weighed in on Silva's asking price, which he expects to be in the $40MM range (I imagine over four years). I agree...it's a bleak market when Silva is one of the best...
By: The RotoFeed
Hunter Would Take 5/75 From Twins
2007-10-13 20:41:00 Out on the open market, center fielder Torii Hunter might fish for more than a five-year, $75MM contract. He could probably get six years, or $16-17MM annually. However, 5/75 would be sufficient from the Twins, as Hunter hopes to remain in Minnesota. The Minneapolis Star Tribune's Sid Hartman (linked above) says re-signing Hunter at that price and trading Johan Santana would probably leave the Twins with the payroll flexibility to acquire a third baseman and a DH. Hunter's departure could seemingly impact ticket sales in Minnesota more than Santana's. Santana is on the hook for $13.25MM in 2008. Swapping him for two 0-3 players while backloading Hunter's deal and letting Carlos Silva walk could free up $15MM net this winter. That could mean Barry Bonds and Mike Lamb, Cliff Floyd and Mike Lowell, or a million other combinations.
By: The RotoFeed
Heyman's Latest
2007-10-11 01:11:00 SI.com's Jon Heyman has a new column up, with some minor info. Heyman's sources describe a Jose Reyes for Johan Santana rumor as "pure fantasy." Well...who said it was ever anything more? Buster Olney was clearly just playing Let's Make A Deal when he devised it. Things get twisted around easily. Most of us already figured this, but Heyman says the White Sox will go after either Aaron Rowand or Torii Hunter this winter. Heyman puts the Angels, Dodgers, Red Sox, Giants, Cubs, Mets, and Phillies into the A-Rod derby if the Yanks don't keep him. No offense to Jon but this column really lacked any kind of new info.
By: The RotoFeed
Rumors and Questions
2007-09-29 00:12:00 If Cubs make the playoffs, they will be glad not to see the Marlins in the postseason. After last night's defeat, the Cubs haven't beaten the Fish since April... of 2006. Lots of buzz today, so here are some Rumors and Questions on the day: Florida Marlins Fans, it may be disheartening for you, both of you, to know that David Hyde (with some help from Bill Murray) believes as though either Miguel Cabrera or Dontrelle Willis will indeed be dealt this offseason. Tim crunched the numbers and thinks they should shed Willis' contract. If I had to choose, I'd agree with Mr. Hyde (not Dr. Jekyll) and wave goodbye to Miggy before the D-Train rolls out. Cabrera is indisputably elite and could net a Hanley Ramirez or two. Meanwhile, Dontrelle's value is at an all time low. Who would you deal? Speaking of former Marlins, Buster Olney thinks the Tigers will re-sign Todd Jones. When asked who will close for the Tigers next year, Manager Jim Leyland ...
By: The RotoFeed
Torii Hunter To Texas Musings
2007-09-20 18:17:00 The Rangers are the early favorite to sign 32 year-old center fielder Torii Hunter for several reasons. First off, Hunter and his family live just 47 miles away from The Ballpark In Arlington. Sometimes the whole hometown team thing is overrated when predicting where free agents will land, but Hunter has basically said that the Rangers have an advantage and it's what his family wants. Second, the Rangers have vacancy. Brad Wilkerson will be gone and Kenny Lofton already is. Sammy Sosa could assume a lesser role or none at all. The Rangers do have some interesting internal candidates for center field in Marlon Byrd and David Murphy, but they might be better suited as fourth outfielders. Third, the Rangers can probably afford Hunter even with his bare minimum 5/75 demand. My back of the napkin math has the net change to payroll as about $13MM off the books. There are small gains for Millwood, Padilla, Blalock, Catalanotto, and arbitration-e...
By: The RotoFeed
Could White Sox Sign Torii Hunter?
2007-09-08 17:38:00 The Twins came to Chicago on Friday, sparking another round of Torii Hunter speculation for the White Sox. Hunter, of course, played it cool. He basically said he'd be honored if the Sox wanted him, and wouldn't have a problem playing for one of the Twins' biggest rivals. Remember, though, that Hunter's bare minimum contract is 5/75 and the White Sox are currently looking at $92MM+ committed for 2008. Even a backloaded deal would take the Sox close to their payroll limit. While moving Jon Garland for cheap young players is a distinct possibility, I'm not sure if the rotation can take the hit. And no one's taking on Jose Contreras's contract. Kenny Williams is in a bit of a pickle as his farm system could use a reload but the team has too many veterans to rebuild. He could trade them all off but Sox fans would revolt. Despite the salary concern, Charley Walters of the St. Paul Pioneer Press names the Sox as Hunter's leading suitor and cross...
By: The RotoFeed
Torii Hunter Turned Down 3/45 Offer
2007-09-04 16:21:00 According to Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the Twins offered Torii Hunter a contract a few weeks ago for three years and $45MM. Ken Rosenthal had reported it as a four-year, $56MM offer, which Hunter denied. One source of Rosenthal's had indicated that the bare minimum hunter might accept is 5/75. Christensen, however, says Hunter is after a deal like the 5/70 J.D. Drew ended up with. If so, Hunter is being plenty fair with his demand. Indeed, Hunter's main concern is the length of the contract. If he's coming in at five years and the Twins at three, maybe they can arrive at four. I could actually see a 4/56 contract as the Twins' last and best offer. But Hunter has talked about not wanting to take a discount and a "burning curiosity" to see what's on the open market. He seems likely to leave the Twins. As far as Hunter's next team, Ken Rosenthal has speculated on the Yankees, Phillies, Braves, Padres, Rock...
By: The RotoFeed
There's Something Happenin' Here, What it is Ain't Exactly Clear
2007-09-02 07:34:00 Buffalo Springfield might as well have written those words about the 2007 Minnesota Twins, at least if you ask their starting center fielder, or Phil Miller of the St. Paul Pioneer Press:Torii Hunter looked around the Twins' cemetery-quiet clubhouse after Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Indians and shook his head. "It's different. It's different than in the past, I think," the Twins' most senior player concluded. "We've got more talent, but there's something different."Gee, I don't know, Torii...if you asked me why I thought a team that finished 96-66 (93-69 Expected) last year was only 69-67 on September 2nd of the following year, I'd probably agree that there was "something different," but I'd conclude that the difference was almost certainly the presence of less talented players (or less production from the same players). The team is clearly much worse than it has been in previous seasons, and the obvious culprit is a relative lack of talent. Yet instead of reaching this lo...
White Sox Targeting Eckstein
2007-08-31 18:14:00 According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, shortstop David Eckstein is the #1 target of the White Sox this offseason. An Eckstein signing would then result in the team paying $300K to buy out Juan Uribe's $5MM option for '08. Eckstein signed a three-year, $10.25MM deal with the Cardinals after being non-tendered by the Angels in December of 2004. He'll be 33 heading into the '08 season, and injuries have been increasing over the years. Another three-year pact for $15-18MM would be fairly risky for the White Sox. Especially for a player whose value is tied so closely to his batting average. A coworker of mine, Mike, mentioned that the Sox might be trying to assemble an all-grinder type team. They could conceivably have Eckstein, Darin Erstad, Jerry Owens, and Aaron Rowand in the lineup next year. However, they won't be signing Rowand if, as Cowley claims, he demands a contract similar to Torii Hunter's. Ken Rosenthal recently ta...
By: The RotoFeed
Torii Hunter Coming to theWhite Sox?
2007-08-28 06:17:00 Pssst: Look for the Chicago White Sox, who as an American League Central Division rival play the Twins 18 times during the regular season, to make a big effort to sign Torii Hunter if the all-star center fielder isn't re-signed by the Twins. Hunter, 32, who is the Twins' only .300 hitter and has 26 home runs and 90 runs batted in, could end up with a $75 million, five-year contract. The Twins
By: Sport Syndicate
Wanted: Guaranteed Victory
2007-08-24 07:33:00 Kurt Streeter of the LA Times thought long and hard before concluding that the Angels would be unwise to acquire Alex Rodriguez next season (I included photographic evidence in case you didn't believe me). The headline and subtitle of the article say it all: Adding Rodriguez is a gamble Angels should avoid His contract would ruin their salary structure and his presence wouldn't guarantee a World Series titleWhose presence does guarantee a World Series title? If there were a player who fit that description, the bidding for his services would be astronomical. There also wouldn't be much incentive to actually play the games once he'd signed a contract. However, although A-Rod certainly isn't that guy, he's closer to that guy than just about anybody else (probably everybody else). Does Marc Gwyn's presence guarantee a World Series title? No, but GM Bill Stoneman inexplicably called him up on August 19th. How about Ryan Budde? His contract was purchased on July 28th, and the Angel...
Murton Late Scratch; Payton Talks Itensify
2007-07-29 03:26:00 UPDATE: While perhaps shopping Murton, the Cubs have had significant talks regarding Baltimore's Jay Payton. The Cubs would send over two mid-level prospects; does Murton fit that criteria? Payton will make $5MM next year to finish his contract. UPDATE 2: RotoWorld says Murton was scratched tonight to allow Cliff Floyd to play and then get Sunday off. Matt Murton was a late scratch for tonight's Cubs-Reds game. Does it mean anything? We should know soon enough. This time of year, every scratch or unexpected mid-game substitution is magnified. The Cubs have been talking to the Rangers about lefty reliever Ron Mahay and catcher Gerald Laird, so maybe there's a connection. The Rangers could definitely find room for Murton in their outfield. Take it with a grain of salt, but a Cubs source of mine confirms Felix Pie's availability (huh?) and says the Cubs made an inquiry on Torii Hunter. While intriguing, I wouldn't expect either player to be traded.
By: The RotoFeed
Rosenthal's Latest: Lohse, Hunter, Contreras
2007-07-16 23:00:00 The latest trade and signing rumors from Ken Rosenthal: Rosenthal believes Alex Rodriguez's ability to play shortstop could increase the number of suitors. Take a look at the free agents - there may not be a single viable option at short this winter. Still, the number of suitors for Rodriguez is severely limited by his massive contract requirement. Not too many clubs aside from the Yankees and Red Sox can get in on $240MM over eight years or whatever. The lack of available, reasonably priced shortstops could compel the Braves and Orioles to aggressively shop Edgar Renteria and Miguel Tejada. As a 29 year-old free agent starter with decent stuff, Scott Boras could sell Kyle Lohse as the next Gil Meche this winter. Meche's work in the season's first three months would only aid the wishcasting. I put up a little Lohse history here, writing that his deal will likely fall somewhere between Jason Marquis and Meche. Other free agent starters who...
By: The RotoFeed
Twins Rumors: Torii Hunter, Jacque Jones
2007-06-28 22:14:00 One club that doesn't get a lot of play on MLBTR is the Twins. They don't make a lot of big trades or signings. Although last year they did inquire on Alfonso Soriano. Today, we don't have any blockbusters, but do have rumors regarding Torii Hunter and Jacque Jones from La Velle Neal III of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Regarding Hunter - he is leaving the door open for a contract extension with the Twins. He told a radio station yesterday he doesn't want Vernon Wells money but the Twins still haven't talked to him about an extension at all. He sounds bummed about it, but it just doesn't seem likely the Twins can retain Hunter. He's going to need more than three years and more than $12MM annually. The Twins aren't in a position to give him even a reasonable discounted contract. Meanwhile, Neal reveals that the Twins were previously in on Jacque Jones. That would've been an interesting re-acquisition. However, the Cubs pu...
By: The RotoFeed
Looking at Torii Hunter
2007-06-14 15:18:00 Needless to say Hunter has been a huge surprise, one of the top five fantasy players this year. As of this moment he is at 14 HR 53 RBI 10 SB .312/.351/.571. I must have missed it when he turned into Justin Morneau. I was listening to the Baseball Geeks podcast (which is one of the very few worth listening to) and they were mentioning the Player Track rankings, with which I am not familiar. So I took a look and sure enough Hunter was ranked at number 2 (!) Can he maintain this pace or anything close to it?He has a 34% hit rate. This should, in theory, revert back to his career norm, and he has almost always been in the 29% or 30% range. However, unlike is the case for pitchers (who in most instances will revert to form) a great hitter can maintain a hit rate above 30%; they are simply talented enough to do it. Hunter though seems unlikely to maintain his .312 BA. 34% is out of the normal range for him and well outside of the normal "noise" one would expect from a statistical perspec...
Torii Hunter At 4/60?
2007-05-04 19:32:00 Charley Walters of the St. Paul Pioneer Press believes Torii Hunter will snag a contract in the neighborhood of four years and $60MM after this season, if his strong offensive output continues. That's an entirely reasonable estimate and may be low. A 32 year-old Johnny Damon received four years and $52MM, but that was two years ago and Hunter plays better defense. Alfonso Soriano might be a better point of reference at eight years, $136MM. He turned 31 shortly after he signed; Hunter will be about 32.5. Soriano was simply an experiment in center, while Hunter is a pro. If Hunter is no longer a .480 SLG type guy, but rather a .540 SLG type (admittedly a long shot), his contract could ramp up to $16MM annually over five or even six years. The only concern is that his newfound power is coming at the expense of walks - Hunter has just three of them so far this year. It works as long as he's hitting .330. With Jacoby Ellsbury coming on ...
By: The RotoFeed
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