[pic via BYB comments]
The All-Star outfielder who once sold his soul to play for the Jankees has reportedly agreed to sign a one-year deal, worth $8 million, with our beloved Detroit Tigers.
The reported deal comes after weeks of speculation and waiting. It looked like a sure thing when Damon said he wanted to play in Detroit after nobody expressed any interest in the ancient defensively deficient player. Then the Braves came out and tried to lowball him, making the Tigers initial offer seem that much more attractive. Then A.J. Pierdoucheski tried to convince Damon that he’d look great with dyed blonde hair after the White Sox offered a deal — a deal reportedly less than the Tigers, so it seemed like even more of a no-brainer that this Scott Boras client would choose the Tigers. But then Damon’s wife complained about Detroit because she’s not very smart, and it also seemed as if Boras was trying to milk as much out of the Tigers as he possibly could because he’s good at his job.
Which is why the reported one-year, $8 million is a surprisingly great deal for the Tigers. They get out of that ill-advised second year and $6 million guaranteed despite Boras’ initial demand for his client.
As I alluded to earlier, the Tigers are getting an all-star outfielder who hit 24 homers last season (although 17 were courtesy of Yankee Stadium’s softball dimensions in right). My dog can whip a tennis ball with his neck at more velocity than Johnny Damon’s arm can a baseball and he often needs a GPS system to track down fly balls, but he’s the steady .280-.300 lefty bat the Tigers have been looking for – especially since trading former lefty leadoff hitter, Curtis Granderson.
Damon has found plenty of success at his new home: He has a .363 BA, .412 OBP, .550 SLG, with 5 HR and 25 RBI during his career at Comerica Park. Let’s just hope those numbers are not a result of poor Tigers pitching and he truly feels comfy in the spacious ballpark.
The one major question mark to me is Damon’s age. He’s 36-years old and obviously, not getting any younger. He had a stellar season at 35, but every year after 32 (usually the tailend of one’s prime), in my opinion, is somewhat worrisome. Add in the fact that Damon had such a great year and is coming off winning the World Series, it does make me wonder if he’ll suffer a hang over when going to a new team in a bigger ballpark. I also hope his wife isn’t a bitch and doesn’t make his life in Detroit a living hell.
Last but not least – will Damon be bringing back the caveman look now that he’s not with the corporate Janks? He and Magglio would have one hell of a mane-off.
[pic via Babes Love Baseball]
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