Torii Hunter

2013

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2012

Hunter matched his 2010 total by hitting 23 home runs last season, but his .262 batting average was his lowest since 2005. Hunter still managed 82 RBI and 80 runs scored, but he also stole just five bases all season. While Hunter started 156 games last season, he may get a few more games off in 2012 to stay fresh. Hunter doesn't run much anymore, but he could hold arguably one of the most favorable spots in the league, either directly in front of or behind Albert Pujols.

2011

Despite playing 33 fewer games in 2009, Hunter's numbers in 2010 were nearly identical to those from the year before. However, Hunter would have had a career year in 2009 if not for injuries, and his statistics from last season were actually pretty similar to his career averages. Due to age, Hunter will not run as much and will no longer man center field, but his offensive skills don't appear to have diminished much. Expect another steady campaign.

2010

Hunter has aged very well, making a contract that looked inflated seem like a bargain, primarily because he's become a better power hitter in his 30s without sacrificing anything else. He's even a better percentage basestealer than he used to be. As with teammate Bobby Abreu, Hunter does so many things well that a sudden collapse isn't likely, making him a strong fantasy play even at age 34.

2009

Hunter hit .278 with 21 home runs and 78 RBI in his first season with the Angels. He was expected to improve his power after getting out of the Metrodome (the toughest power ballpark for right-handed hitters in the AL in 2007), but instead the opposite happened - his slugging percentage dropped nearly 40 points. While we don't think his five-year deal will be as disastrous as Gary Matthews Jr.'s contract, there's some fear that Hunter might not remain an effective hitter for the length of the contract.

2008

Hunter left Minnesota and signed a five-year, $90 million contract to patrol center field with the Angels next season. Hunter avoided the foot and ankle issues that troubled him the previous two years and played a career-high 160 games, hitting 28 home runs with a career-high 107 RBI while winning his seventh consecutive Gold Glove. While he may not live up to his contract when he slows down in a few years, there's no reason to think he won't put up a similar season in 2008. Moving to the Angels is also good news for his fantasy value, as his stolen bases provide meaningful value and the Angels like to run. Expect another season of 25-plus home runs, but he's always a slight batting average risk since he's a free swinger.

2007

Hunter hit over 30 home runs for the first time in his career and won his sixth consecutive Gold Glove despite being slowed by ankle and foot injuries. The broken left ankle that cost him the final two months of the 2005 season caused Hunter to run flat-footed and led to a stress fracture in his left foot that limited him on the base paths. If his foot and ankle are back to full strength, he should return to stealing 20 or more bases. Hunter does pose a risk to your batting average since he swings at too many pitches, but expect another season of around 25 HR and continued Gold Glove defense in center field. Take note he's also in the last year of his contract.

2006

Hunter's season ended in late July due to a broken ankle while attempting to catch a ball in Fenway Park. Before the injury, he displayed his usual power as he was on pace for 26 home runs and 104 RBI. He helped fantasy players by improving his prowess on the basepaths. After stealing just six bases while getting caught seven times in 2003, Hunter learned a delayed-steal type of tactic and was running wild before the injury with a pace for a 38-steal season. How Hunter's ankle injury will impact his speed on the basepaths (and if opposing pitchers figure out his method), will go a long way to determining his fantasy value for 2006. Otherwise, expect another season of around 25 HRs and continued Gold Glove defense in centerfield, but with the risk of a low batting average.

2005

Hunter's statistics have become very consistent at this point in his career as he's a good bet to hit 25 or more home runs but poses a risk to your batting average since he swings at too many pitches. Hunter's numbers were down somewhat last season due to missing 16 games with a strained right hamstring. However, one good sign was his success at stealing bases. After going just 6 of 13 in stolen base attempts (including an 0-for-7 start) in 2003, Hunter stole 16 bases in 19 attempts in the second half of the season after the hamstring problems were behind him. Another season of 25+ HRs and 15+ SBs and continued Gold Glove defense in centerfield is a good bet.

2004

Hunter continued to flash amazing range in center field and solid power at the plate, but his poor plate discipline caused a decline in his batting average. He's a good bet for another 25+ home runs, but don't expect a return to a .280 batting average. One worry is that Hunter struggled on the basepaths last season, going 0-for-7 to start the year in stolen base attempts. As a result, he wasn't given the green light as frequently and that could spill over into next season.

2003

Hunter became a household name in 2002 with highlight-reel defensive plays and a strong first half. The Twins starting centerfielder and should produce 20-plus HRs and 90-pus RBI again. A low walk rate remains a concern as his batting average is a candidate to decline. Also faded in the second half of last season (just 9 HR) after a strong first half.