Angels Win Torii Sweepstakes

Other teams shocked by LA of A's sudden deal for Twins CF
By Jesse Andrews,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 22, 2007 10:22 PM CST
Angels Win Torii Sweepstakes
Minnesota Twins' Torii Hunter (48) tips his helmet to the crowd as he steps in to the batters box for what could turn out to be his final at-bat at home as a Twin during the seventh inning against the Chicago White Sox in a baseball game in this Sept. 23, 2007 file photo in Minneapolis. The center fielder...   (Associated Press)

Shocking other teams seeking the seven-time Gold Glover, the Los Angeles Angels nabbed free agent center fielder Torii Hunter with a five-year, $90 million deal, despite already having an excellent—and expensive—center fielder in Gary Matthews, Jr. The move is the second unconventional one of the week for LA's rookie GM Tony Reagins.

He also traded popular shortstop Orlando Cabrera for White Sox stalwart starting pitcher Jon Garland. The White Sox, the Rangers, and the Royals were all in contention for Hunter with five-year deals, but Reagins and the Angels put together the winning package in 24 hours—the most expensive deal in team history. (More MLB stories.)

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