Today all things were finalized and Johnny Damon put on the old English ‘D’ for the first time. After signing a one-year deal worth a reported $8 million, it is believed that Damon will split time with former infielder Carlos Guillen in left field. Otherwise, Damon will likely be a leadoff hitting DH.
Damon’s production in New York last year makes me believe that he still has some pop left in his bat. He hit .282 with 24 big flies, 82 RBI, and most importantly, scored over 100 runs again. Damon scored more than 100 runs in every season from 1998 to 2006. It was a streak that spanned four teams and three American League divisions. To say the least, a player who finds a way to score over 100 times every year can definitely help a team.
Photo: Associated Press
What makes me the most happy with this deal is that President and GM Dave Dombrowski managed to fight off Damon’s agent Scott Boras and get the player for only one year. Initially, it was being rumored that Boras wouldn’t accept a one year deal for his client. Even though they outbid themselves by almost $1 million, the Tigers landed Damon for a one-year trial basis. That is a victory in itself.
Even though Damon is a bit suspect in the outfield, his presence should help the Tigers. With so much money coming off the books after this 2010 season, the Tigers will be major players around the trade deadline and in the next offseason. If Damon pans out this season, an extension for 2011 could be a piece in an expensive and potential World Series-depicting puzzle for 2011.
I’m still not getting my hopes up this year, but Damon’s bat should give the Tigers a bit more of a chance in the Central in 2010. If only Johnny Damon was a starting pitcher…
