Everybody turn ur TV to MLB network right now
— Torii Hunter (@toriihunter48) November 14, 2012
That was all the warning that I needed. I knew what was coming, but I immediately stole the remote from my wife (Sorry Honey) and tuned into MLB Network to see Matt Vasgersian, Harold Reynolds and the incredibly endearing and super small Ken Rosenthal ready at their desk to break the news that many Angels fans have been dreading since we learned that Torii was not extended a qualifying offer. September 14, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Los Angeles Angels right fielder Torii Hunter (48) rounds second base against the Kansas City Royals during the fourth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-US PRESSWIRE Torii Hunter and the Detroit Tigers had agreed to a contract (two years, $26MM) pending a physical. And judging by the shape that Torii keeps himself in, the physical is just a formality that he will pass with flying colors.
Peter Bourjos will now get an unblocked chance to display his ridiculous defensive prowess roaming center field. Mike Trout‘s arm will get hidden in left field, and Mark Trumbo will only have to worry about anything hit to his left now that we have two of the top five fastest players in all of baseball roaming the outfield. Hell, we could make Trumbo a fifth infielder and fly balls still wont drop in with how fast Trout and Bourjos are.
Immediately following Torii’s tweet, fans braced themselves and then took to twitter to express their gratitude to Spider Man for the five years of exceptional play and wonderful showmanship and sportsmanship as the face of this franchise. HalosHeaven.com posted Torii’s top ten moments as an Angel a week ago, forecasting what was to come I’m sure.
But this is about the fans. The dejected fans, the nostalgic fans, the fans who only speak in jokes (Here’s looking at you Adam), and even the teammates that are going to miss the production and the attitude that Torii brought to the field every single day as an Angel. Torii, this fan will miss you. Good luck in Detroit, except on those days when you play the Angels. Fans, you now have the floor.
@toriihunter48 - you will be missed more than words can express. Thank you for years of great memories, great plays and big smiles! #Angels
— AngelsWin.com (@AngelsWin) November 14, 2012
So long & good luck @toriihunter48. We'll miss you man! Much success to you, just not against the Angels =) Thanks for everything #Captain!
— Davepool (@2_Ring_Circus) November 14, 2012
@toriihunter48 once an Angel, always an Angel, you will be missed, thank you for helping this area and team and good luck in Detroit #Angels
— robert is vaccinated (@rowast) November 14, 2012
@toriihunter48 this is horrible news. I wish you the best, but my day has been ruined. My wife is going to be even more upset
— True Grich (@truegrich) November 14, 2012
Sad day to see @ToriiHunter48 go to the Detroit #Tigers. But good for him; best of luck, Torii! You are truly a class act. #Angels #MLB
— Michael Olguín (@ThatGuy1600) November 14, 2012
@toriihunter48 Thanks for all the memories. Good luck moving forward. Pull lots of pranks on that clown Verlander.
— RonSwansonTrio (@RonSwansonTrio) November 14, 2012
Again, good luck Torii. You will be missed.