AP source: Hunter agrees with Tigers

 
No Author Published: November 14, 2012    Comment on this article Leave a comment

photo - FILE - This Aug. 31, 2012 file photo shows Los Angeles Angels' Torii Hunter being congratulaed in the dugout during a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners in Seattle. A person with knowledge of the negotiations says free agent outfielder Hunter has agreed to a two-year deal with the Detroit Tigers. The person, who spoke Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012, on condition of anonymity because no announcement has been made, says the deal is pending a physical. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)
FILE - This Aug. 31, 2012 file photo shows Los Angeles Angels' Torii Hunter being congratulaed in the dugout during a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners in Seattle. A person with knowledge of the negotiations says free agent outfielder Hunter has agreed to a two-year deal with the Detroit Tigers. The person, who spoke Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012, on condition of anonymity because no announcement has been made, says the deal is pending a physical. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)

Multimedia

Detroit seems like a sensible fit all along for an older player like Hunter, who follows his five-year tenure with Los Angeles by reaching a shorter deal with the Tigers. Detroit is not required to give up compensation for Hunter.

Sanchez is now a free agent, and the Tigers have said they'd like to take a shot at retaining him. Detroit is also ready to welcome back Victor Martinez, who will replace Delmon Young at designated hitter after missing the whole 2012 season with a knee injury.

There are still a few other questions for the Tigers, who are unlikely to bring back closer Jose Valverde. General manager Dave Dombrowski indicated Detroit has some in-house candidates for that role, but the offseason is young.

Although Hunter is now off the market, some other top free agent outfielders remain for other teams to shop for, such as Josh Hamilton and Nick Swisher.

Hunter's arrival means Boesch, Garcia or Berry could be an odd man out on Detroit's opening day roster in 2013. Boesch has hit 42 home runs in three seasons with the Tigers, but his average dipped to a career-low .240 in 2012. Berry came from off the radar this year as a 27-year-old rookie and stole 21 bases without being caught. The 21-year-old Garcia hit .319 in 47 at-bats, but he may be a candidate for more seasoning in the minors.

___

AP Sports Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report.

Page 2 of 2



If you prefer your thoughts to appear in The Oklahoman's Opinion section, we encourage you to submit a letter to the editor.

Ads by Yahoo!

New Rule in CALIFORNIA:
(MAY 2013): If You Pay For Car Insurance You Must Read This Immediately
www.ConsumerFinanceDaily.com
Diabetes Cure?
(Video) Man uncovers scientific research that destroys his diabetes.
DisarmDiabetes.com

Sports Photo Galleriesview all