Damon Bits: Tigers, Braves, Angels
Though the Randy Winn signing should have done it, the addition of Marcus Thames undoubtedly ends any lingering thoughts as to whether or not the Yankees would still be able to sign Johnny Damon. As Joel Sherman reported a few weeks ago, the Yankees only had $2 million left after the Javier Vazquez acquisition, and those final dollars have now been spent to bring in Winn at $1.1 million, and Thames at $900K. So, what uniform will Damon don this season?
Here’s a quick update regarding the 36-year old’s seemingly frigid market:
- According to Tom Gage, there is some speculation that Damon will sign with Detroit sometime this week.
- Dave O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution says that Atlanta could still add Damon if his price falls further.
- According to Alden Gonzalez, the Angels (he also cites the Rays, and Blue Jays) could be a suitor Damon.
The Angels-Damon connection, as I have stated in the past, does not make much sense. For one, where would Hideki’s Halos play Damon, as they currently have Torii Hunter, Bobby Abreu, and Juan Rivera penciled in as their three outfielders. Plus, the trio is already a very impressive offensive group. In fact, it is possible that Rivera – the man Damon would presumably replace – is a better hitter in Southern California than Damon would be (and he is better defensively). Therefore, adding Damon does not appear to be a justifiable expenditure for GM Tony Reagins.
At this point, it seems Detroit is the favorite to land Damon with a few unlikely lurkers perusing the periphery.
Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images
