Torii Hunter is optimistic about returning to the Los Angeles Angels next season. Hunter recently met with Angels' General Manager Jerry Dipoto and according to the Los Angeles Times, he left the lunch feeling like the club would put forward a serious effort to re-sign him when his deal is up in October.
The outfielder is in the final year of his current five-year, $90-million contract.
After the meeting, Hunter told the L.A. Times:
"I feel that they want me back, but at the same time, things have to align. ... If they align, I think I have a very good chance of remaining with this organization."
The nine-time Gold Glove winner is hitting .305 in 2012 with 15 home runs and 83 RBI. Now 37 years old, he has never hit better than .300 in a season during his 15-year career. The 83 RBI are already more than Hunter knocked in during all of last season.
Outfield is crowded territory for the Angels, with young All-Stars Mike Trout and Mark Trumbo seeming to have firm holds on center and left field, respectively. Also under contract are Peter Bourjos and Vernon Wells.
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