The Los Angeles Angels made yet another enormous offseason splash on Thursday by reportedly signing Josh Hamilton to a five-year, $125 million deal. Last winter, the Angels locked down the best hitter on the free agent market by bringing Albert Pujols aboard. They did the same this year by aggressively pursuing Hamilton and giving him the fifth year that many teams were hesitant to offer.
While Angels fans salivate at the thought of the middle of their lineup being anchored by Pujols, Hamilton and Mike Trout, at least one person was miffed by the signing. Check out the tweet Torii Hunter sent out when the news was announced on Thursday afternoon:
I was told money was tight but I guess the Arte had money hidden under a Mattress. Business is business but don’t lie.
— Torii Hunter (@toriihunter48) December 13, 2012
Despite the fact that he was still extremely productive in 2012 (.313 average, 16 homers and 92 RBI), L.A. and owner Arte Moreno decided not to bring their All-Star rightfielder back. If his tweet is any indication, Hunter was told the Angels couldn’t afford to re-sign him. He instead signed a two-year, $26 million deal with the Detroit Tigers.
Minutes after sending the bitter tweet about L.A.’s front office, Hunter changed his tune and praised them for the Hamilton signing.
Great signing for the Angels. One the best players in baseball.
— Torii Hunter (@toriihunter48) December 13, 2012
He also added that he is not upset and was simply having fun. While I’m sure Hunter is excited to join the defending AL champions, there is likely some truth behind his comment about Moreno. All players will tell you that professional sports are a business, but veterans who were with a team for many seasons often feel they are an exception to the rule — whether they admit it or not. Hunter’s tongue-in-cheek comment would seem to indicate he is surprised he was treated like just another player.
