Minnesota lost a popular player this week when outfielder Torii Hunter became Los Angeles' newest Angel in the outfield.
Hunter agreed to a five-year, $90 million contract to play outfield for the Los Angeles Angels.
Twins' fans are left with only their "Torii" memories and wondering what the future will bring.
Yes, Hunter will be missed. He is a two-time All-Star, seven-time Gold Glove winner, a good hitter and a leader in the club house.
However, he is 32 years old. And a five-year contract would find him in his late 30s. Maybe the Twins were right to limit their offer to three years.
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If the Twins had signed Hunter to a five-year, $90 million contract, how much budget would have been left for the rest of the team? Not much.
They will be able to invest Hunter's $12 million toward one of their other star players: Johan Santana or Justin Morneau, for example.
Certainly, the Twins have some challenges in the coming year: finding a Hunter replacement, determining Santana's future and signing Morneau.
And the team should not lose sight of its primary goal: placing a winning team on the field.
No one begrudges Hunter's new high-roller payroll. Fans cannot expect him to walk away from a once-in-a-lifetime contract.
Yet Twins fans are still disappointed and wonder who is to blame: The owner, the player or the agents?
Sometimes professional baseball just stinks!
