November 01, 2007
In the Hunt
The Astros are in the hunt for Torii Hunter early:
The Houston Astros made quick contact with Torii Hunter's agent, Larry Reynolds. That was a surprise team for me, but apparently they're ready to move Hunter Pence to RF. Add the Astros to a list that almost surely will include the Rangers, Yankees and White Sox, and could grow to include the Braves, Cubs, Giants, Dodgers, Nationals and Cardinals.
Measured by Win Share or VORP, Pence and Hunter made about the same contribution to their teams last year, although Pence did it in about 170 fewer plate appearances. Rightfield was weak offensively for Houston in 2007, so the move makes a lot of sense. It should improve defense in center and offense in right.
Would any centerfielder in his right mind voluntarily play half his games in a park with that abominable hill and flagpole?
I would LOVE to see Hunter playing the quirks of Minute Maid's outfield.
As Rotoworld pointed out, they should just play Luke Scott more instead. Hunter can barely see his prime, it's so far behind him.