Torii Hunter Thinks the Fans Are Smarter in New York Than Minnesota

Well, Torii Hunter didn't come right out and say it in as many words, but it you don't have to look very hard to see it. From the NY Daily News:

"I love Yankee Stadium," Hunter said. "The atmosphere and energy there is great. And the fans know the game. When they get on you it can be pretty personal, but it's always about your baseball game.

"When someone screams, 'You just can't hit that slider,' that's someone who knows what they're talking about. You don't hear that kind of informed (chatter) in Minnesota."

Just why might he be cozying up to the Yankees' faithful? Perhaps because he considers his days numbered as a member of the Twins. He's in the final year of his contract but hasn't heard a peep from the organization about the future since spring training:

"I want to be with the Twins and that's been my main goal, but I'm human and the silence makes you wonder," Hunter said. . . . I think I'm a decent player. I can't believe there hasn't even been a conversation about it. That's tough to swallow."

At least Hunter knows what a "contract year" is all about: he's currently hitting .300 with 14 home runs and 54 RBI, which has him on pace to set new career marks across the board. At 31, his defense has slipped a little, but that just means he's among the AL's best center fielders instead of head and shoulders above the pack. Even if the Twins wanted to keep him, they may not be able to afford him, especially if the Yankees are as fond of him playing in New York as he is.