Major League Baseball

Hunter happy with big-money players in Angels camp

Published Feb. 26, 2012 10:12 p.m. ET

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On the first day Angels position players reported to camp, outfielder Torii Hunter looked to his left, looked to his right and said: ''I won't never pay for dinner.''

To Hunter's left is Vernon Well, in the second year of a contract that will pay him $21 million this season. On his right? Albert Pujols, who just signed a 10-year, $240 million contract with the Angels.

''This is the best team I've been a part of my whole career, as far as numbers wise,'' said Hunter, himself on the final year of a five-year deal with the Angels that will pay him $18 million. ''We haven't done anything yet, but looking at the team you can tell that this is a great ballclub.''

The 36-year-old Hunter also told reporters that he has at least two or three years left in him. And while he doesn't know where he'll be next season, he knows where he is now and who he's next to.

With 23 homers and 82 RBI last season , Hunter has been remarkably consistent with his power numbers in his four years with the Angels.

His .262 batting average was his lowest since 2003 when he hit .250 with Minnesota. His .336 on-base percentage is four points higher than his career average, but well below his .354 in 2010 and .366 in 2009.

He's won nine gold glove awards for his work in center field and has moved to right field to make room for speedy defensive standout Peter Bourjos in center.

There's little doubt that Hunter will remain a starter in this year's crowded outfield picture, something his friend two lockers to his right, Bobby Abreu, may not.

Earlier this week, Abreu said he wanted to be traded from the Angels so he can play every day. On Sunday, Hunter defended Abreu.

''This is a guy that knows he's got something left in the tank and he wants to play every day,'' Hunter said. ''If he didn't complain or anything like that I'd think something is wrong with him. That's good that he wants to be on the field. There's nothing wrong with that. If he was just sitting there taking it, then you would question it: `Does he really want to play? Is he happy making $9 million?'

''No, he wants to play. Some people say `Sit back, shut up and make your money.,''' Hunter said. ''No. Bobby is a player. I hate that he has to go through that.''

The Angels were the majors' busiest team in free agency this offseason, landing Pujols and left-hander C.J. Wilson from rival Texas.

Still, Hunter says the Angels are the underdog in the AL West.

''The Rangers are the team to beat,'' Hunter said. ''They went to the World Series twice. We've got to take the crown from those guys.

''We just have to stay healthy and get Kendrys Morales back. Our pitchers are four aces. They need to stay healthy. Right now everything is on the up and up and I'm excited about it. ''If we can stay healthy, this is my best shot. I'm all in. All or nothing.''

NOTES: Angels manager Mike Scioscia was feeling ill and did not make it to camp on Sunday.The Angels signed RHP Juan Rincon to a minor-league deal.

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