Johnny Damon

There has been a lot of talk about Johnny Damon this offseason.

Nothing seems able to stop it: Not the Yankees replacing him in the lineup with Nick Johnson and signing Randy Winn, leaving no room in the outfield, or even Damon signing a contract with a different team could stop it.

When Damon says stuff like this, he becomes hard to ignore:

Johnny Damon blew it.

And not by signing with the Detroit Tigers a few days ago. That was just more fallout.

No, Damon blew it in December 2005, when he agreed to sign a free agent contract with the New York Yankees.

Let me start by saying this: I’m a Boston Red Sox fan, but this isn't a fan’s rant about how Damon turned his back on Red Sox Nation to join its most hated rival. The thought never really crossed my mind.

This is simply a practical look at a short-sighted decision made by Damon and his camp four years ago—one that will haunt him for years.

With free-agent outfielder Johnny Damon reportedly signing a one-year, $8 million contract with Detroit, it appears as if two former Yankees will be prowling the Tigers' outfield in 2010.

Earlier this offseason, Austin Jackson was traded to Detroit in a three-team deal that also sent pitcher Ian Kennedy to Arizona and outfielder Curtis Granderson to the Bronx.

Jackson, a highly-touted prospect, hit .300 with four homers, 65 RBIs, and 24 steals in 132 games for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last year.

After a few months of speculation the Detroit Tigers and Johnny Damon finally reached an agreement that brings the outfielder to Detroit.  Damon and the Tigers agreed to a one-year deal worth $8M.

So, where exactly does Damon fit in?  He’s clearly taking at-bats from someone, right?  Who’s out of the picture now?

He's baaaaack.

Johnny Damon (.282, 24 HR, 82 RBI), who spent the 1995-2000 season with the Kansas City Royals, is returning to the AL Central after signing a one-year deal with the Detroit Tigers.

Damon, who turned 36 last November, was also rumored to be negotiating with the Atlanta Braves, but ultimately decided to sign with the Tigers, who offered him more money.

Imagine you're Jim Leyland and you have the task of putting together a batting order for the 2010 Detroit Tigers.  Now I know Spring Training has just started and positional players aren't even in camp yet, but nonetheless it's fun to speculate.  Here's my go at it:

1.  Johnny Damon (DH / LF) / Clete Thomas (OF)

2.  Austin Jackson (CF) / Ryan Raburn (OF)

3.  Magglio Ordonez (RF)

4.  Miguel Cabrera (1B)

After a long winter of speculating about where Johnny Damon would play in 2010, it appears that the two-time World Champion has finally made a decision.

The Detroit Tigers have stepped in with an offer that apparently was to Damon's liking. It is reportedly a one-year deal worth about $8 million.

All is pending a physical, which sources say should be taken today or tomorrow.

The deal makes sense for both sides:

Possibly the most uneventful free-agent auction of the offseason is over: Johnny Damon has signed a one year, $8 million deal with the Detroit Tigers, pending a physical scheduled for sometime on Sunday, Feb. 21.

Other clubs that had shown interest in the 36-year old outfielder are the Chicago White Sox, the Tampa Bay Rays, the Atlanta Braves, and early on the Toronto Blue Jays.

Well, the prick finally signed.

Good News: We finally have a left handed batter and a guy that can lead off.

Bad News: We're paying this clown $8 million, around $4 million more than the next highest reported offer. And there's a no trade clause. Ugh.

Good News: Damon put up excellent numbers last year.

Bad News: He played in that bandbox in New York where most of his homers were hit.