But at the same time, if he costs us Santana, I'm against it.  If he costs us Nathan (in 2009) but we still keep Santana, I'd probably be okay with it, because as good as Nathan is, I think we can at least somewhat replace him from within.  Hunter just isn't ready for that.

Ideally though, I'd really like to sign him to a 3 year deal, with perhaps an option for a 4th year.  That would allow him to play in the new stadium for a year, while also giving us the hope that Benson could be ready to replace him in 2011, which I view as realistic.  

I'm not sure Hunter would be amenable to that, but if it was for 3 years, at 15 per, AND it doesn't cost us Santana, I think I'd be willing to do it.  

It amazes me because 2 months ago if you asked me if I'd be willing to pay $15 million per for Hunter, I'd say no way.

The thing is, it just isn't the case.  He's the same old impatient Torii he's always been.  If anything, he's actively chosen to be less patient.

He's working a 4% walk rate so far this year, just half of his usual unremarkable 8%.  He's averaged 3.5 pitches per plate appearance for 4 years now and there's been no change in that.  The funny thing about Torii is that for the first half of last year, he did become more patient.  He took an unheard of (for him) 38 walks in the first half of last year.  For most hitters that would be a great thing, but for him it didn't work.  He lost power and average both.  

In the second half, he went back to hackin' away, taking just 7 free passes.  Lo and behold, his slugging percentage jumped 100 points and BA went up 30. As would be expected, his OBP went down a titch, but it was a small price to pay for the other gains.

He's sticking with the aggressive approach this year and, once again, it's working for him.  Much as we might groan about Torii flailing away at the first pitch all of the time, that's apparently what we want him doing.  He's proven that a free-swinging Torii outproduces a conservative Torii, however counterintuitive that may be.  He's an odd duck.

None of which helps us decide whether or not to sign him for 60mil/4yrs.  I'd vote no; I think if we go with Span, even if he doesn't hit, we can spend less than 15 mil and upgrade, say, 3B or DH more than enough to offset the offensive loss.  In the meantime, Torii isn't likely to continue to perform at his current level over the season, much less a 4 year contract.  This year's stats are driven by a .367 BABIP, and there's little that suggests that number won't dip back to his career norm of sub-.300.  Add in the risk of decline from age and 4 years looks to me like it is just too much of a risk for this club's payroll.

Regardless, it sure is a blast watching him run this year.  I'll miss him if he goes.

The problem comes in 2009.  Assuming they resign Santana, Cuddyer and Morneau, those three together with Mauer will likely earn at least $23.0mm more than they are making in 2007.  Assuming other raises (Nathan, etc) offset the savings from White and Castilla, and the Twins are looking at a 2009 payroll of at least $95.0mm with Hunter at his current $12.0mm, in the Dome.  

Personally, I am very happy with Hunter's improved play over the last few years when he was injured.  Many Hunter fans will say that Mr. Pohlad should open up his pocketbook for one year and keep Hunter.  I think those who criticize Mr. Pohlad are probably mistaken as I expect the budget is set by Terry Ryan and submitted to the Pohlad's for approval.  I expect that it has been this way for some time and it is Mr. Ryan who determines the budget based upon what he believes should be spent to be competitive.  Will Mr. Ryan ask for $100mm in 2009 knowing that it will mean a $20.0mm loss for the team?  I don't know, but I do know that several senior Execs have frequently stated that Torii is the face of the Twins and is thought of very highly by the people who make the decisions.  And having a team in place to compete for a Championship in 2010 would be a perfect way to open the new stadium...and Torii Hunter could be a key piece to that team, assuming he can stay healthy for another 4 years.  

1. The market. Implicit in the diary above is that 4/60 gets it done. I doubt it.  I expect someone would pay him 6/85.  That's a much different situation, and somewhere the Twins almost certainly cannot go.  And Hunter would be nuts to give the Twins a "hometown discount" of that magnitude.  He won't, and he shouldn't. Go get paid.  
2. Hunter as a player.  The diary makes a massive assumption that there is relatively little risk of decline over the next 4 seasons. I think this is unwarranted.  He is likely to decline over that time, especially defensively. Also, injuries are a big risk, especially with his recent history. Yes, its true that some players "buck the trend," but there is no reason that I can see to expect Hunter to do so.  Realistically, he already has.  His games played went from 154, to 138, to 98 over 3 seasons before rebounding to 147 last season. We'll see about this year. (Hunter has actually only been over 150 once in his career). Furthermore, injured or not, (and I don't understand why you would not see injury as decline), his defense isn't what it was, and it never will be again.

Hunter is a real good ballplayer.  Replacing that sort of production will not be easy.  But the next 4-6 seasons of his career are inevitably not going to be worth what he's going to get paid.

As for saving money on Torii and upgrading at 3b/DH with the money, have you looked at the FA possibilities there next year?  It's not pretty.  Mike Lowell is pretty much the best 3b available.  DH doesn't offer much either.  I think our best bet just might be paying Hunter, unless we can make a trade for salary at DH or 3b.