Hunter’s addition creates moves

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Gary Matthews Jr. isn’t the only Angels player on the move this spring. The signing of center fielder Torii Hunter to a five-year, $90-million contract has sparked a chain reaction that could affect as many as six other players.

Not only will Matthews, who played center field last season, move to the corner spots, right fielder Vladimir Guerrero and left fielder Garret Anderson will play the corners and split time at designated hitter, and reserve outfielder Juan Rivera will work out at first base.

The latter move is an effort to create more at-bats for Rivera, the team’s second-best hitter in 2006 (.310, 23 home runs, 85 runs batted in) before sitting out most of 2007 because of a broken leg.

If the right-handed-hitting Rivera can develop into a proficient first baseman -- he has never played the position, in the big leagues or minor leagues -- he could possibly platoon there with left-handed-hitting Casey Kotchman.

“I wouldn’t expect him to play at the level of Kotchman, but he can create depth for us if he can handle the fundamentals of the position,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “I think he has the potential to handle it.”

A successful transition by Rivera would reduce Robb Quinlan’s playing time and could prevent Kendry Morales from making the team.

The man responsible for all the upheaval, in camp for a light workout Monday, offered no apologies.

“It’s part of the game -- I can’t control it, can’t change it,” said Hunter, who will join position players for the first full-squad workout Wednesday.

“I’m a player, a guy with a number, 48. In prison you’re issued a number and you go by the rules. That’s what they do, issue you a number and say you’re a center fielder, you’re the center fielder.”

Hunter is no ordinary center fielder. He’s a seven-time Gold Glove winner with outstanding range, a player who could make this the best defensive outfield the Angels have had this decade.

But the defensive fortunes of the group will probably hinge on how Matthews, a standout center fielder, adjusts to the corners, and how Matthews, Anderson and Guerrero adjust to Hunter.

With two aggressive center fielders in the same outfield, there is a potential for problems in the gaps -- an ugly 2005 collision between New York Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran and right fielder Mike Cameron, a natural center fielder, comes to mind.

“Torii is going to play his game,” Scioscia said. “The guys on the corners are going to have to be aware of where Torii is and know their range in different positions. So it’s going to take a little work for Gary. But when you’re putting Gary out there and moving him around, you’re going to have a terrific defensive presence.”

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Hunter, who spent 15 years in Minnesota’s organization -- nine in the big leagues, six in the minors -- is glad the Angels open the 2008 season against the Twins in Minnesota on March 31.

“I won’t have to think about it for two months and go there in June,” Hunter said. “I can get rid of those demons right away.”

Hunter is curious to see what kind of reaction he’ll get in the Metrodome.

“I don’t know how they’ll perceive me -- will I get a standing ovation or boos? You never know,” Hunter said. “That’s a place I’ve been for 15 years. If you’re with somebody for 15 years and you love it, you’re going to have feelings for it. I still love Minnesota, but I’m here with the Angels and I’m getting to love it here.”

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mike.digiovanna@latimes.com