I got it from Aaron Gleeman (who ironically wrote at some point that Toriiiii was his favorite twin), who would mock Toriii for his self-proclaimed team leader status, like when he punched Justin Morneau, or called out Joe Mauer for not playing hurt like Iron Man Torii (who hadn’t played a full season for a while.

So he’s probably not that bad. Kirby Puckett turned out to be a Kevin MItchell level bastard, from what I’ve read, but it woud be unfair to hold his Hunter’s friends against him. But what i’m really irritated about is the rep as a stud outfielder. He’s a good player, no doubt. Hey, he did steal that homer from Bonds in the All-Star Game. But his career OPS+ is 105. DDJ’s is 104 — we’re used to DDJ being underrated, but he has the OBP advantage (I think Hunter busted out a career high .344 this year. LOOK OUT KEVIN YOUKILIS).

So, he’s not really an asshole, so much as he bugs me. People act like he’s one of the great players, but while he is probably better than DDJ (who is underrated), I don’t think he belongs in the same conversation with Sizemore and Granderson as an overall player — even in his prime, really. I’m sure someone will whip out the stats to show me I’m wrong. Fine, but here’s something from last year that will always give me pleasure. It’s the list of the best defensive CFs in the AL last year, according to UZR:

Sizemore +26
Granderson +18
Dejesus/Crisp +13

That’s right, the 5/90 man (and Anaheim is perfect for him) was at most the 4th best defensive CF in the AL Central last year. A bargain at twice the price.