In the past month, discussion was rampant about the eventual new home of Torii Hunter. Now, that he has signed with the Angels for 5 years and $90 million, the haters and lovers of the Twins are out in full force. As you read the comments on assorted blogs and newspapers, you get a sense that there are two distinct camps – you understand or you are pissed.
While Hunter was a popular player, he was overrated that past few years. He was merely average at the plate and had reached the point where he was winning gold gloves on reputation rather than play in the field. Now, Hunter is 32 (33 in July of ’08). With a five-year contract, he will be turning 37 in the middle of his last year. While much has been and will continue to be made of not attempting to keep Hunter, the deal the Twins offered Hunter was realistic and within range for a player that is at his peak and sure to begin the decline.
I understood the Twins’ approach – offer 3 years at $45 million. That breaks down to $15 million per year. The Angels’ deal breaks down to $18 million per year. I am sure Hunter will not notice the difference between the $3 million per year. The Twins did the right thing. With a 3-year contract, Hunter would have been 35 in the middle of the last year of his contract. Although he likely has already peaked in terms of performance, he is likely to plateau for a few years. After that, the big decline will begin. Would you really want him playing for $18 million per year as a 37-year old player on grass for the Twins? At that point, he would be virtually unmovable. The Twins did the right thing.
For an interesting, compelling read, check out Howard Sinker’s day after reaction at A Fan’s View from Section 220.
[Edit: Also, consider the Twins offered Hunter $15 million per year. The White Sox? $15 million per year. The Rangers? $15 million per year. The Royals? $15 million per year. Seems to me that most teams thought Hunter was worth $15 million per year. The Twins were being prudent knowing he was going to be declining in skills over the life of a longer contract.]
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