Goodwill Hunter?

During the Twins' Division Championship run in '02, '03, and '04, there is no question that the face of the Minnesota Twins was Torii Hunter. He was a leader in the clubhouse, a consist ant hitter, and could snag any ball hit within a half-mile of center field, but is a player who would call a .279 batting average with 31 home runs a career year worth nearly $11 million?

Back when we were "Getting to Know 'em", the spotlight was always on Torii. After stealing the home run from Barry Bonds in the 2002 All Star game, no one could deny that Torii Hunter was the face of the Minnesota Twins. He was the the first player fans could rally behind since Kirby and that is exactly what Twins' fans needed. The Twins-loyal came out in droves to the Dome, not to enjoy the bright, summer sun (obviously), but, instead, to see Torii leap some 13 feet in the air and grab a home run right out of a fan's hand.

Torii Hunter was good for the Twins and good for baseball. But in the new era of the Twins with the reigning Cy Young, MVP, and batting champ running out onto the diamond beside Hunter, and other expensive contracts expiring at the end of this year, can Pohlad really afford $11 million for Hunter? I say no.

The way I see it, that large sum of money could be much more efficiently spent on picking up new talent or go toward keeping the Twins' biggest asset, Johan Santana, in Minnesota.

See you on the Diamond,
NAG