Comments on: The case against Torii Hunter helping the Tigers

By: sportsnut101

sportsnut101 — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:20:34 +0000

Was it a contract yr for him to get this pay.

By: witeman10

witeman10 — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:18:15 +0000

one thing to keep in mind tho is that the tigers surprisingly struggled against left handed pitching last year as a team (especially in the playoffs). Even with some of the power righties they had. Hunter has very good numbers against leftys, and even if he falls back a bit he should still be very solid in that regard.

i agree that hunter probably won’t be as good as he was in 2012. and that actually v-marts return could be the bigger deal for the tigers offense. hunter will prolly bring similar production at the plate as delmon young, only he also brings defense and decent speed. so it’s clearly an upgrade for the tigers. at a reasonable price. even if its not a monstrous upgrade.

it’s not a blockbuster, over the top signing, but any time u can upgrade a position it should help. even if he only brings them around 2 more wins, for a team that made it to the world series that could make all the difference.

By: darthicarus

darthicarus — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:07:14 +0000

I would like to thank Torii for signing with Detroit as I can now wear my Brian Hunter jersey again without being mocked.

By: historiophiliac

historiophiliac — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 12:28:21 +0000

enjoyed the Boesch joke

By: legacybroken

legacybroken — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 12:04:55 +0000

Also don’t be surprised if the Tigers have another big signing in them. Whether its Sanchez or another bat.

By: jonrox

jonrox — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 08:27:38 +0000

I think it’s reasonable to expect at least 3 WAR from him, and $13m/year for 3 WAR is right about the going rate on the free agent market. Considering how many needs he fills (everyday corner outfield, right handed bat, top of the order potential) you really gotta like it. Toss in his locker room intangibles, the increased value of wins when you’re a playoff level team, and the flexibility that the Tigers now have with their outfield prospects (no need to rush Avisail Garcia or Nick Castellanos) and this seems like a big win for the Tigers.

By: weaselpuppy

weaselpuppy — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 05:52:50 +0000

2012 Tigers RF -17 Defensive runs saved…2012 Torii Hunter? +15

Let’s say he declines as he ages and only averages +10.

2012 Tigers RF .236 12 HR 68 RBI, 271 OBP. Torii Hunter 313 16 and 92 365 OBP…

Let’s say he declines to 275 16 80 RB w/ 335 OBP, his career averages except far less power…but in a little better hitters park facing a whole lot of bad pitching in the AL central…

Looking like at LEAST a 2 WAR/yr upgrade WITH regression…

Thanks for trying to create a narrative, but like Boesch, you swung and missed….

By: Bruce Knutson

Bruce Knutson — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 05:13:02 +0000

Hunter will be well worth this contract. 13 mil is basically market value
http://sfgiantsfansunite.blogspot.com/

By: Gardenhire's Cat

Gardenhire's Cat — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 04:59:40 +0000

While you certainly present a strong argument for Mr. Hunter not replicating a 5.4 WAR (avg rWAR/fWAR), your headline is quite misleading–any base ball player helps the Tigers if his name is not Delmon Young.

By: joerymi

joerymi — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 04:43:34 +0000

Hitting in front of Cabrera, Fielder, and Martinez has zero to do with power hitting. OBP is the key statistic. His OBP the past 3 seasons is .351. Even if Bill James’ projection of .336 in 2013 is correct, it will be better than Infante and Berry.

Martinez is alluring to hit 2nd, but his RISP efficiency will probably put him at 5. Dirks is another option, but Leyland has already said he doesn’t believe him to be an everyday player. Right or wrong, he makes the lineup.

The deal is probably slightly too expensive, but only slightly. This deal won’t kill the Sanchez deal. Sanchez may sign elsewhere, but I doubt this is the deal that causes that to happen.

By: normcash

normcash — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 04:42:52 +0000

I suspect Dave Dombrowski knows pretty well what the Tigers are getting. He no doubt knows the numbers better than anyone and doesn’t expect Hunter to hit for the kind of average he had
in 2012. A fairly normal year for him at the plate, plus is still outstanding outfield play, will add up
to a solid upgrade for the Tigers.