MILWAUKEE -- New Chicago Cubs reliever Tommy Hunter should fit in nicely with laid back manager Joe Maddon's clubhouse. The admittedly loud righty says he's calmed down over the years -- but former teammates of his aren't buying it.
"I doubt that," Jason Hammel said laughing. "He's loud and likes to have a good time."
Hunter came from Baltimore on Friday for outfielder Junior Lake. He'll be inserted into the backend of the bullpen to play alongside another former teammate, Pedro Strop.
"Peter (Pedro) probably said I was crazy as s---," Hunter said on his first day as a Cub. "I was a crazy S.O.B in Texas in my early days. Got it all out though."
No one loves to be traded, but for Hunter it could be a blessing for him and his family. An Indianapolis native, he's excited to be closer to his ailing mother.
"My mom is sick," Hunter said. "It was pretty rough. She's going through some surgeries, had one yesterday. Found out maybe two months ago ... now three hours away it will be cool."
As for baseball, Hunter's a power pitcher who's out-pitch is "whatever gets someone out," he joked.
"I'm excited. It's a very, very talented group of baseball players in this clubhouse right here. To have someone want you, you have to be happy about that."
Hunter adds an arm for the higher-leverage moments, something his predecessors couldn't be trusted with. Now he can alternate at the latter portion of games with Strop or Jason Motte or he could even get a ninth inning chance -- he had 11 saves last year for the Orioles.
Hunter wasn't overused in July so he says he's ready to hit the ground running with his new club.
"I think the edge will be (mine), none of the hitters will know me," Hunter said. "Throw the ball as hard as you can and hopefully strike people out."
