Torii Hunter visits Detroit to meet Tigers’ officials – MLB Update
According to a leading sports website, Torii Hunter feels like he has already being recruited. The outfielder made a visit to Detroit to meet the Tigers there. Sources confirmed to CBSSports.com that Hunter was in Detroit to have a meeting with the Tigers
officials.
General Manager Dave Dombrowski has not made an official contract offer as yet but it is possible the Tigers could make the offer as part of the visit.
In an interview with Scott Miller of CBSSports.com, Hunter stated that he wants a contract that is fair. He further added that he is looking at Carlos Beltran’s two year contract worth $26 million with the St. Louis Cardinals as a fair comparison for himself.
The Tigers are also desperate to sign Hunter as an outfielder, looking at him as a perfect replacement for Brennan Boesch. He is likely to bat second behind Austin Jackson and in front of third baseman Miguel Cabrera, Designated Hitter Victor Martinez and
slugger Prince Fielder.
In his mid 30’s, Hunter is an extremely experienced professional. He can have a great influence on the likes of Fielder, Jackson and Ramon Santiago. Hunter likes the Tigers for the fact they are the favourites to win next year’s World Series title. There
is another reason why he would love to spend some time in Detroit as his son Torii Jr. signed to play football at Notre Dame next year.
A few days ago, Hunter said that he wants to sign a deal sooner rather than later. He has a history of signing deals quickly. In 2007, he was signed on by the Los Angeles Angels before Thanksgiving Day.
Hunter posted decent stats last season as he hit .313 with 16 home-runs and 92 RBI’s. His .365 OBP and .451 SLG were among the best in the American League. It will be interesting to see if he can continue the good work in the next season to end his career
on a bright note.
"He wants to play there," said one source who has spoken with Hunter.
Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies and the Boston Red Sox are the other teams that have shown interest in Hunter.
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