Outfielder Torii Hunter unhappy with Los Angeles Angels signing of Josh Hamilton – MLB News
According to a leading sports website, Detroit Tigers’ new outfielder Torii Hunter is disappointed with Los Angeles Angels offering a five year $125 million contract to free agent outfielder Josh Hamilton.
Hamilton posted some impressive number for the Texas Rangers last season. Without a shadow of a doubt, he was the most destructive and accomplished outfielder in the free agency.
However, Hunter said Angels’ owner had lied to him in telling that the Angels do not have the financial flexibility to bring him back when his contract ended at the end of 2012 season. In a telephonic interview on Thursday, he lashed out calling out his
old team for apparently dodging him.
Hunter played five big league seasons for the Angels and none of them was as good as the 2012 season when he hit .313 with 16 home runs and 92 RBI’s. In addition to being a useful hitter, the 37 year old veteran brings great value to the table with his stunning
defensive techniques.
“To be fair, Hunter most certainly is entering the twilight of his career, while Hamilton is a perennial MVP candidate squarely in his prime and is one of the most feared hitters in the game today. He reportedly also had interest from the Rangers and Mariners”,
Tony Paul of detroitnews.com said.
“The move by the Angels — who made huge splashes last offseason, too, signing Albert Pujols and starter C.J. Wilson — gives them a surplus of outfielders again, with Hamilton, Mike Trout, Vernon Wells, Mark Trumbo and Peter Bourjos in the fold,” he added.
After the Angels refused to extend his contract, Hunter set up meeting with the Tigers’ officials to discuss the possibility of moving to Detroit, where his son has been hired by a football team. There is no denying the fact Hunter is entering the twilight
of his career. Hamilton, on the other hand, is in his prime and one of the most feared hitters in Major League Baseball.
It is easy to see why the Angels decided not keep Hunter on their big league roster. Hunter will be looking to make the Angels pay heavily by helping the Tigers win the American League Championship Series next season.
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