In his capacity as special assistant to general manager Perry Minasian, Torii Hunter maintains a close watch on the Angels despite living in Texas.
But with the Angels in town to face the Rangers, Hunter has been meeting with the front office, coaching staff and players this week. Prior to Tuesday night’s 7-3 loss for the Angels at Globe Life Field, he stated that the development of the team’s young players this season has inspired him.
The Angels are coming off a season with 99 losses, although they spent the majority of the season hovering around.500 before a recent run of eight of eleven losses.
Hunter stated, “I believe they’ve made some progress.” They were playing some fantastic ball and dominating in late June and right up to the All-Star break. Thus, you occasionally witnessed flashes. And I believe I was telling a lot of guys at the time that you should be playing for spoilers.
We still have more than 30 days remaining, so I’m not saying we’re done. But right now, they should be trying to destroy everybody and show everybody who they really are. Finish strong because it will carry over to the next season.
Over the past two days, Hunter spent time conversing with outfielders Jo Adell and Bryce Teodosio, as well as second baseman Christian Moore. Hunter thinks they can all be a part of that core group of young players, which also includes injured first baseman Nolan Schanuel, right-hander José Soriano, catcher Logan O’Hoppe, and shortstop Zach Neto.
After Teodosio became the team’s regular center fielder in early August, Hunter, who won nine Gold Gloves as a center fielder over his storied 19-year career, has been impressed by his defensive play. Teodosio was already well known to Hunter because he played in the Minor Leagues with Double-A Rocket City in 2022 with Hunter’s son, Torii Jr.
Hunter remarked, “I see him running those balls down in center field.” “I saw him develop in the Minors, and now he has the chance to come out here and play every day. I think this kid can really fit in and be really excellent out here in center field.”
Hunter has long been tight with Adell, who has been in the organization since becoming the No. 10 overall choice in the 2017 Draft. Prior to making his debut this year, Adell was one of the game’s best prospects, but it took him some time to mature.
On Tuesday, Adell, 26, hit a two-run home ball in the ninth inning to reach 30 home runs for the first time in his career. He has appeared more comfortable since coming back to right field following a spell in center this year.
“He’s growing up,” Hunter remarked. He’s growing better and better every year. He’s still young and developing. He seems more at ease and has a chance to show off his abilities in the Major Leagues, in my opinion.
Last September, Hunter had his first encounter with Moore when the Angels brought him in for instructional league following his selection as the eighth overall choice in the Draft. The way Moore held himself pleased Hunter right away, and Moore talked with Hunter extensively before to Monday’s game.
After going one for three on Tuesday, Moore, 22, has a slash line of.190/.289/.314 in his first 36 professional games, despite having some huge moments.
“This game and the Major Leagues are completely different, so we had a great conversation about them,” Hunter remarked. He is receptive to anything. He was picked last year, and I had him for a week. And it’s different with the bulldog within him. Now it’s about developing and learning the league. This boy will be a superstar in a few months, a few years, and hopefully not too many.
In addition, Hunter was overjoyed to see Angels manager Ron Washington, who paid the team a visit following his quadruple bypass surgery on June 27 and subsequent season-long medical leave.
Hunter said, “He endured a great deal.” However, I believe that the boys welcomed him when they saw him in the clubhouse. It’s simply wonderful to see him.
Hunter, 50, stated that it would take the correct situation to become a big league manager, but he wouldn’t rule it out. He claims to be very busy with his enterprises, which include a brewery, a cigar club, two coffee shops, five restaurants, and a creative space.
Hunter stated, “I definitely think that’s something that I would put into consideration if the opportunity presented itself.” “A difficult decision. However, I’m now operating and managing other things.
