In The Know

• Mar 31, 2008 9:52 pm US/Central
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  In The Know: Cut Torii Hunter A Little Slack

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In The Know: Cut Torii Hunter A Little Slack

(AP) Snow fell in Minnesota on the opening day of baseball at the Metrodome. The Twins opened against the Angels, and a familiar face. Don Shelby says Torii was welcomed with a standing ovation.

I talked to one guy today who said he had driven five hours through the snow just to boo the guy. He cited others who passed up big paydays to stay with the Twins. 

But Torii's time was about up, the Twins evaluated his probable worth and fashioned an offer. Torii wanted to stay with the Twins. It was his baseball home.

But the Twins woefully underestimated what Torii was worth on the open market. In fact, Torri underestimated his own value. No one was as surprised as Torii Hunter that he was worth $90 million, a figure the Twins simply couldn't afford.

So now, one of the hardest playing, most talented and charming Twins plays for another team. But, I don't think it proper to question his loyalty.

Heck, I love you and this wonderful state, my home, but if somebody offers me $90 million to work in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and my home station doesn't have the dough, I'd think about taking the money. Wouldn't you?

(© 2008 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)