Rays working deal with Damon

[A.E]

Rays closing in on a contract with Johnny Damon
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Johnny Damon has found a new home for the upcoming season. Well, almost.

According to Tim Brown of Yahoo! Sports, the 37-year-old free agent is “closing in on a deal” with the Rays.

Damon also drew legitimate interest from the Yankees, Dodgers, Blue Jays and Angels this offseason, but he probably recognized that he has a better shot at playing time down in Tampa Bay, where the Rays have been ravaged offensively by free agency and have some question marks in different areas heading into spring training this year.

The 15-year major league veteran can’t be trusted to play the outfield anymore — at least, not on a regular basis — but he should find enough at-bats at designated hitter to remain satisfied and to produce at a somewhat high level. At the worst, he’ll make for a useful pinch-hitter.

Damon finished with a .271/.355/.401 batting line, eight home runs and 51 RBI in 539 at-bats last season for the Tigers. He can probably match a few of those stats if given ample looks with the Rays.

-HBT

 

[Lake Louise]

I'm sure he would prefer to be on a contender, but out of all those the Rays would probably give him the most playing time, as said. He's a great personality in the clubhouse. It didn't take long for him to be loved by Tigers fans. I always liked Damon, and was happy when he came to Detroit. He wasn't as productive as I would of liked, and he wont be. Those days are behind him, but he will get you some nice hits when you need them. Just like the 2 walk off homers he had with us last year. Be nice to see him playing again.

 

[RipCity32]

Couldn't agree more. Wasn't very productive, but instantly became on of my favorite Tigers. Was a great guy.