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ARLINGTON — Texas Rangers pitcher Tommy Hunter is using this off-season to help out himself and lend a helping hand wherever he can.
Hunter, who went 9-6 with a 4.10 ERA in 19 starts with the Rangers this season, is in the midst of a busy week.The right-hander was in Arlington on Monday for the Share the Warmth Blanket Drive, which benefits area domestic violence shelters. From there, he headed to a baseball clinic in McKinney. This weekend he’ll be at Josh Beckett’s charity hunting event."That’s what it’s all about," Hunter said. "Once you get here [the majors], it opens all kinds of doors for what you can do. This is where it all starts and it’s something I’m proud to be part of."Hunter is available for all the area charity events because he’s made a change in his off-season plans. Last year he worked out in Atlanta. But this year, he’s spending five days a week with Texas strength and conditioning coach Jose Vazquez."It’s different working out here," he said. "The thing about this off-season is to get in the best shape I can so I can show up to spring training fitter and slimmer. I’m going to take everyone by surprise."He did that this season when the Rangers needed help in the starting rotation. But Hunter, who is listed at 255 pounds, admitted he wore down at the end of the season. He’s doing all he can to keep that from happening again should he make the 2010 rotation. Despite finishing third on the team in wins, Hunter isn’t heading to spring training next February feeling like his rotation job is safe."You have to go there with the mentality that you have to win your job," he said. "I’m coming to spring training ready to go. If they see fit for me to be in the starting rotation, I’ll take it and run with it."Anthony Andro, 817-390-7760
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