Aubrey Huff intends to play in 2013, hopes an opportunity opens up

Aubrey Huff, the consistent power producer and 2010 Giants hero derailed by an episode of panic attacks in 2012, is looking to make a comeback in 2013.

"He wants to play,'' Huff's attorney Ed Hayes said by phone. "He's working out. It's not a matter of physical issues. Nor is it a matter of mental issues, which he's addressed.''

According to Hayes, Huff, who has 242 career home runs, had an issue with panic attacks on one occasion, sought treatment and has no lingering issue.

"Medication is an amazing thing," Hayes said.

(It should be noted Zack Greinke, who had a similar issue, signed the most lucrative contract this winter, his $147 million deal with the Dodgers.)

Huff's situation is very much like it was three years ago, when the Giants picked him up off of the scrap heap and he wound up having such a productive season, he finished seventh in MVP voting in 2010 and subsequently signed a two-year, $22 million deal. Hayes said Huff intends to prove that last year, when he hit an uncharacteristic .192 in 78 at-bats, is in the past.

Hayes has talked to a few teams, but they know the reality is Huff may need to wait to see what happens with Lance Berkman first. Berkman is ahead of Huff in the pecking order, but the same American League teams could make sense for Huff, provided they can overlook his one rough year.

Texas is one team eyeing Berkman, and that's a team that would presumably interest Huff, a Fort Worth product. The Rays, Orioles, Indians and Red Sox are among other teams who could add a hitter.

Said Hayes, "We're keeping our fingers crossed an opportunity will open up."


(cbssports.com)