Damon picks Tigers over White Sox, others

The Johnny Damon rumors can finally come to an end, as the Tigers have signed the veteran outfielder to a 1-year deal for almost $8M guaranteed.  The Rays, White Sox, Braves and Blue Jays had been linked to Damon over the last few months, with rumors of a proposed 2-year / $14M contract offer by the Tigers, as well, the Yankees were said to have offered a similar 2-year deal for almost $16M.  We might never find out the truth behind the real contract offers, but we know the Tigers had interest, and they won the sweepstakes.

Damon, a great clubhouse presence, will most likely lead-off and play left for the club.  The departure of Curtis Granderson, via the trade to the Yankees, seemed to create a void in the lead-off role, but now with Damon, the Tigers have a proven hitter a top the lineup. Damon also has a full no-trade clause in the deal, according to reports by SI.com.

Here is a projected lineup after the Damon signing

1. LF Johnny Damon
2. DH Carlos Guillen
3. RF Magglio Ordonez
4. 1B Miguel Cabrera
5. 3B Brandon Inge
6. C Gerald Laird
7. 2B Scott Sizemore (rookie)
8. SS Adam Everett
9. CF Austin Jackson (rookie)

Remember the Quick fact:

Johnny Damon has played in 2131 career games, most batting lead-off. Here is a look at his numbers batting from all positions in the lineup:

1. 1530 games, .289 AVG
2. 213 games, 284 AVG
3. 106 games, 299 AVG
4. 12 games, 290 AVG
5. 30 games, .203 AVG
6. 61 games, .322 AVG
7. 69 games, 255 AVG
8. 43 games, .310 AVG
9. 67 games, .285 AVG