The Chicago Sun Times reports today that the White Sox are going on a recruiting visit, and their target is Torii Hunter. He’ll be inducted into the Arizona Fall League Hall of Fame next week, along with White Sox outfielder Jermaine Dye, and GM Kenny Williams has planned a meeting with Hunter in Phoenix.

It’s one thing for the Twins to lose Hunter to free agency. But imagine facing him 18 times a year. Remember this hit against White Sox catcher Jamie Burke? Imagine Hunter barreling around third next year, and his new target is Joe Mauer.

The White Sox would have to make the money work, however, and the article gives insight into their thinking:

Hunter would seem to make sense at $15 million a year if the sides can work out the number of years. He already reportedly turned down a three-year, $45 million offer from the Twins because he wanted a five-year deal.

With the Sox hoping to refocus on defense and pitching, they could try to lock up the perennial Gold Glover for four years.

I think it’s a mistake if teams see the Twins’ 3/45 offer for Hunter and assume a fourth year can get it done. The Rangers, who just saved $21 million when A-Rod opted out of his contract with the Yankees, are going to drive Hunter’s market, and if the Yankees get serious, look out.

The Twins can draw their line in the sand with Hunter if they feel it’s too risky investing five years in a 32-year-old center fielder. But if he lands with the White Sox … ouch.

This entry was posted on Thursday, November 1st, 2007 at 10:03 am and is filed under Around MLB, Twins thoughts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.