Torii Hunter, GoodBye Or Good Buy?
Few of the Minnesota Twins superstars have had longer careers with the team than the 13 seasons Torii Hunter has played with them. Rod Carew left after 12 spectacular years, Bert Blyleven was gone after 10, Frank Viola lasted just 8 seasons. Sometimes the Twins trade players away because they anticipate not being able to afford them. Sometimes they are just Chuck Knoblauch.
The question that has remained for the entire 2007 season has been one of whether Torii and the Twins would be able to reach a contract agreement. In most opposition towns this year Torii has been queried about his future and he’s given accolades to the stadiums, salutations to the fans, and teasers to the management regarding a future in their team’s colors. The Twins did make a late season offer to Torii which he turned down because it was for 3 rather than the 4 or 5 year deal he was seeking. Oh yeah, that and he did not want to engage in further discussion fearing it would” become a distraction in the pennant race”. The problem with that statement for me is understanding how an active negotiation stemming from a legitimate offer that seemed to provide wiggle room for improvement could do anything but lift the spirits of the team, the fans and Torii himself. So now the question will linger in to the off season and will provide the hot stove league with plenty of debate and the title of this piece sums it up.
I would like to see Torii get an offer that keeps him in Minnesota. He has said all along that he won’t take a hometown discount because he does not hold back when he plays. That is true. The Twins will not be able to offer as much money as some other teams might be willing to give Mr. Hunter for his services though. In order for a Twins contract to be acceptable for him Torii will need to recognize a value beyond money. It is a rare individual that can get beyond the dollars by calculating the worth of the intangibles that are so easily overlooked and don’t mean beans to your agent. And the Twins too will need to be cautiously generous in their approach as well. Perhaps if the Pohlads can channel the spirit of Eloise and Torii can model the sacrifice and leadership of Kirby Puckett the foundation will be in place for him, then Johan to stay and another championship season may come soon.
