DETROIT — If Torii Hunter finds himself in a slump during his first season with the Detroit Tigers, he may not have to go to the video monitor.

Just the on-deck circle.

Hunter admitted last week that while going through tough times at the plate with the Los Angeles Angels last season, he spent time studying Miguel Cabrera, Detroit's eventual American League MVP and Triple Crown winner.

It paid off for Hunter, who was hitting just .253 through May but batted .323 in the season's final four months, including .354 in August and .346 in September.

"I've always been impressed with him at the plate, the way he swings," Hunter said of Cabrera. "In June, I looked at his video and it helped me out. Don't tell him that, he might get kind of pumped up. He's one of my favorite hitters in the game."

Hunter is slated to hit directly in front of Cabrera for the Tigers, and behind leadoff man Austin Jackson.

Being sandwiched in between AL Rookie of the Year Mike Trout and Albert Pujols worked well for Hunter with the Angels. He hit .343 in the No. 2 spot.

"I had a chance to hit in front of one of the best right-handed hitters in baseball in the last 10 years (in Pujols), now I'm coming and hitting in front of the best hitter of today," Hunter said.

Hunter raved about the rest of the Tigers' lineup, which also includes Prince Fielder and the return of Victor Martinez, who hit .330 in his first season in Detroit before missing 2012 with an ACL injury.

"You're not talking about guys who can just swing the bat," Hunter said. "These guys have great at-bats. They battle, get base hits when they need to, they just don't swing out of their behinds.

"I don't think I've been part of a lineup this dominating."

— Email Josh Slagter at jslagter@mlive.com. Download the "Detroit Tigers" MLive app (iPhone or Android) for the latest news and updates.



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