Torii Hunter: Rakes vs. left-handed pitching

- Torii Hunter is a different type of player than Angel Pagan. He is a run producer, not a table setter. Pagan (31 and turning 32 in July) is in his prime while Hunter 37 turning 38 in July) is older. Yet, Hunter, unless he suddenly runs into an age wall, is much more threatening in the batter's box than Pagan.
There was a lot of fretting among Tigers fans last season about "setting the table" for Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder. In truth, the Tigers biggest issue is they didn't have enough consistency throughout their lineup. They were too dependent on their two big guns to produce runs. As good as they are, Cabrera and Fielder are going to have dry spells. It's why when Delmon Young would gone on a roll, it would be so noticeable. Hunter, along with the return of Victor Martinez, would give the Tigers more consistent run producing throughout the lineup. Pagan is a good fielder, but Hunter is exceptional. He is as good a right fielder as he was in center, and is much better option for the Tigers in center than their current cast should something happen to Austin Jackson. His leadership qualities are among the best in the game. There are few players as respected.

Angel Pagan: More table setter than run producer

The biggest is factor, however, is the right-handed hitting Hunter is a much better hitter against left-handed pitching than Pagan, who is a switch hitter. Against left-handed pitching last season, Hunter hit .340 with a .868 OPS (on base plus slugging percentage). Hunter is a .289 hitter in his career vs. lefties with a .843 OPS.
Pagan hit .271 with an .736 OPS vs. left-handers in 2012. His career mark vs. lefties is .259 with a .710 OPS.
The Tigers struggles against left-handed pitching, of course, are well documented and really came to head during the World Series.