Torii Hunter Returns!

Long time Twin and fan favorite Torii Hunter has returned to the Minnesota Twins.

But why?

Let me start off with this: it isn't for production.

Torii Hunter makes absolutely no sense from a production standpoint for the Twins. They do not need an additional outfielder, especially one that it at the end of his career. With many bright prospects in the outfield for the Twins (Buxton, Rosario, Hicks, Arcia) the Twins are looking for a veteran to lead these young outfielders and to guide them along. The only thing I can make sense of this signing from a production standpoint is that Hunter provides a proven bat from the right side.

This signing goes deeper than production. Hunter has been the face of the franchise in the past and it doesn't appear that he's lost any of his popularity. Hunter gives desperate Twins fans a reason to make the trip out to Target Field. He is the type of player that the MLB needs more of; his personality on and off the field demonstrate everything that is good about the sport. Not too many athletes would give up their chance to play for a championship and return to a team that brought them to fame and give the fans a last hooray.

It will be interesting to see how this works out. I am guessing that his main role will be a DH and then relieving outfielders on their days off, but things can change quick. With Hunter showing some signs of his former self last year at the plate (.286 BA, 17 HR, 86 RBI) he could definatly emerge one last time and be the top hitter on the Twins if Joe Mauer continues being Joe Mauer and if Dozier and Arcia regress.

Overall, this is a fun acquisition for the Twins. It is a sign that the front office actually cares about the fanbase and not just solely on winning. Now if the Twins would go out and sign a big name starter (Scherzer or Price) and not some Nolasco part 2, I would be a very happy Twins fan.