Report: Tampa Bay Rays Still Involved in Johnny Damon Bidding

by R.J. Anderson on Feb 11, 2010 3:11 PM EST

Two sources told ESPN.com that the Detroit Tigers have made the largest offer, amid speculation around the industry that that bid is in the range of one year, $7 million. There were indications the sides were still discussing a possible two-year deal. But even the Tigers' one-year offer appears to be the biggest offer on the table.

The Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays have also remained in the bidding, with both teams talking about one-year contracts for fewer total dollars than the Tigers' offer. MLB.com reported that the Braves' offer was for less than $4 million. A source indicated the Chicago White Sox also have expressed late interest.

So there's that.

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1 yr/7 mil is a pass even though I still think he'll be worth the 2 WAR

The 1 yr/2 mil + 2 deferred was more of my speed. I’m perfectly fine with going into the season with Burrell, but was also all for adding Damon at a bargain. 1/7 is not my kind of bargain.

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by Tommy Rancel on Feb 11, 2010 3:19 PM EST via mobile reply actions

white sox would probably have the worst defensive OF in the league

Quienton,Rios,Damon oh my!

one more year Brett Favre!

by RaysOfHope on Feb 11, 2010 3:23 PM EST up reply actions

Don't forget Andruw Jones.

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by Tommy Rancel on Feb 11, 2010 3:27 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I can't believe the Tigers would actually give him 7m.

by R.J. Anderson on Feb 11, 2010 3:28 PM EST up reply actions

they gave Dontrelle 29M

one more year Brett Favre!

by RaysOfHope on Feb 11, 2010 3:28 PM EST up reply actions

I would think not sitting Magglio, activating his $18M option, is the real dumb mistake

Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone; but if someone puts his hand on you, send him to the cemetery.

by Andy Hellicksonstine on Feb 11, 2010 3:42 PM EST up reply actions

I’m honestly just happy to see they are out there trying to make the move. I know the odds are he isn’t coming, but with an offer out there who know. Damon may just wanna stick to the Yankees and his best chance for that is with the Rays. It’d be interesting to see how this plays out and what the team would look like if we got him. Keep Burrell and get rid of Kapler?

by price14rays on Feb 11, 2010 3:40 PM EST reply actions

And leave Joyce as the full time RF?

by Karandrs on Feb 11, 2010 3:44 PM EST up reply actions

that's what I'm thinking, but...

It’s really tough cause where else would Damon go if we can’t get rid of Burrell?

by price14rays on Feb 11, 2010 3:50 PM EST up reply actions

New report says 2/14 offer from Tigers...um he really needs to take that.

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by Tommy Rancel on Feb 11, 2010 3:51 PM EST via mobile reply actions

If the Tigers offered that

Dave is even dumber than I feared, when it comes to the concept of “negotiating”.

by FloridaownsFSU on Feb 11, 2010 3:52 PM EST up reply actions

Jesus

I <3 AF.

One more year Brett. One more year.

by PriceMultiCyYoungs on Feb 11, 2010 4:05 PM EST up reply actions

What would the expected benefit be for Damon being added?

At 1/$7MM, it is roughly the same deal as Burrell (at least one year of it) and Soriano. Both of those guys are/were supposed to make significant contributions. Would Damon provide the same kind of Wins or Runs above average as these two guys will/should’ve?

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by Buc Wild on Feb 11, 2010 4:19 PM EST reply actions

Difference between Burrell and Damon isn't 7m.

That would be 2 wins on this market.

by R.J. Anderson on Feb 11, 2010 4:22 PM EST up reply actions

We need to get the Rays moved to the AL Central

They’d be able to enter a Yankee-like potential domination there.

It’s still amazing that Damon is still going to get 1/7 despite the market fallout and the zero potential defensive help that the Tigers seem to be flooded with in that outfield.

PIZZA?!?

by Transplanted on Feb 11, 2010 4:23 PM EST reply actions

I shutter to envision that Tiger outfield

defensively speaking. Damon/AJax/Mags? Ugh. There are two incompetants listed there.

by FloridaownsFSU on Feb 11, 2010 4:54 PM EST up reply actions

Damon's arm sucks, but he's not that bad overall in LF

The two UZR predictors I’ve seen have him as a roughly average LF and CHONE has him at +7. I think Austin Jackson is supposed to be a good defender, as well. Ordonez is below average, but he’s not that bad.

by Scottwood on Feb 11, 2010 6:38 PM EST up reply actions

Comerica Park isn't exactly a small field

and it’s probably wise to place the most stock in Damon’s most recent doings in the field. He was great by UZR in 2007-2008 in LF, but he didn’t even play 1,000 innings combined those years in left. Last year, he was abysmal, both by UZR and by the eye test.

I wanted the Yankees to retain Damon, and didn’t emphasize his defense too much because center and right should be fairly good for the Yankees (Granderson and Swisher), thus helping migitate the drawbacks of Damon’s defensive issues. However, in a place like Detroit…larger ballpark and crappier defense around him, I think it’s a bit fairer to worry a bit about his defense.

But hey, it’s better than Carlos Guillen.

by FloridaownsFSU on Feb 11, 2010 8:16 PM EST up reply actions