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Johnny Damon's "love" for Detroit might be a bit disingenuous. Who cares?
"Disingenuous" may be a word that fits Johnny Damon's decision to remain with the Tigers.
I prefer "calculated," actually.
Returning to Boston, which claimed him off waivers, might have seemed like an easy decision for Damon, but not when the entire picture is examined.
Fans dislike him intently in Boston because, when was done "cowboying up" with the Red Sox, he signed with the hated Yankees. And the Red Sox didn't do that much to retain Damon, so he has no great love for the organization. It's why the Red Sox were part of his no-trade clause.
Also, the free agent market wasn't kind to Damon last winter. The Tigers were the only team showing genuine interest - and it took a long time for it to develop. He is a year older and not having as good a season in 2010 as he did in 2009. Interest figures to be even less this winter.
Well, not after he said he "loves Detroit" and kissed up to the organization like that. The Tigers will definitely be interested.
I understand what is going on here, and I don't care. All I know is seeing headlines that literally read, "Damon rejects Red Sox, says he 'loves Detroit.' "
Because he has a shot at reaching 3,000 career hits, and played extensively in New York and Boston, Damon is a borderline Hall of Fame player. For him to say that, even if his motives may be purely about getting another fat pay day, only helps this area.
In truth, the Tigers are the destination of last resort for players like Ivan Rodriguez, Magglio Ordonez, Kenny Rogers and Johnny Damon.
But haven't the Tigers benefited from such relationships?
Random Thoughts
- It seems unlikely the Tigers will bring back both Damon and Ordonez. If given a choice, who would you take? Me? I'd tend to learn toward Ordonez. He is a better run producer and is younger than Damon. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out. Scott Boras is the agent for both.
- What people in this state tend to overlook about Big Ten football this year is that Iowa and Wisconsin have legitimate shots at being Top 10 teams, and that Northwestern has one of the most-improved programs in the country. It won't be an easy road in the conference this season for Michigan or Michigan State.
- Wonder when Ordonez will start kissing up to the town, the organization and owner Mike Ilitch. He has a ways to go to match Damon in that regard, that's for sure.
- Now that his divorce has been finalized, don't be surprised if Tiger Woods makes a huge comeback next season. In retrospect, how was he going to play well this year?
I prefer "calculated," actually.
Returning to Boston, which claimed him off waivers, might have seemed like an easy decision for Damon, but not when the entire picture is examined.
Fans dislike him intently in Boston because, when was done "cowboying up" with the Red Sox, he signed with the hated Yankees. And the Red Sox didn't do that much to retain Damon, so he has no great love for the organization. It's why the Red Sox were part of his no-trade clause.
Also, the free agent market wasn't kind to Damon last winter. The Tigers were the only team showing genuine interest - and it took a long time for it to develop. He is a year older and not having as good a season in 2010 as he did in 2009. Interest figures to be even less this winter.
Well, not after he said he "loves Detroit" and kissed up to the organization like that. The Tigers will definitely be interested.
I understand what is going on here, and I don't care. All I know is seeing headlines that literally read, "Damon rejects Red Sox, says he 'loves Detroit.' "
Because he has a shot at reaching 3,000 career hits, and played extensively in New York and Boston, Damon is a borderline Hall of Fame player. For him to say that, even if his motives may be purely about getting another fat pay day, only helps this area.
In truth, the Tigers are the destination of last resort for players like Ivan Rodriguez, Magglio Ordonez, Kenny Rogers and Johnny Damon.
But haven't the Tigers benefited from such relationships?
Random Thoughts
- It seems unlikely the Tigers will bring back both Damon and Ordonez. If given a choice, who would you take? Me? I'd tend to learn toward Ordonez. He is a better run producer and is younger than Damon. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out. Scott Boras is the agent for both.
- What people in this state tend to overlook about Big Ten football this year is that Iowa and Wisconsin have legitimate shots at being Top 10 teams, and that Northwestern has one of the most-improved programs in the country. It won't be an easy road in the conference this season for Michigan or Michigan State.
- Wonder when Ordonez will start kissing up to the town, the organization and owner Mike Ilitch. He has a ways to go to match Damon in that regard, that's for sure.
- Now that his divorce has been finalized, don't be surprised if Tiger Woods makes a huge comeback next season. In retrospect, how was he going to play well this year?
Labels: Johnny Damon Magglio Ordonez Mike Ilitch Tiger Woods Scott Boras
posted by Pat Caputo at
12:28 PM
7 Comments:
I agree with your comments about Damon. If it's one or the other I'd definitely want Magglio back. But I'd prefer they go after a true difference maker, like Crawford or Dunn.
And before you dismiss Dunn because of his average, he not only has a ton more power but he actually gets on base more often than Magglio too. That's how many walks he draws (and how little batting average means when you don't look at walks).
Instead of doing the end-around of Dombrowski on behalf of just one client, Illitch can look forward to two separate direct calls from Boros. With his inability to say no to Scott, I guess we get both!
Hopefully Pat, your right and the Tigers do not sign either player. There were great players but Father Time might have caught up to them. Damon seven home runs doesn't fit the Tigers need and Maggs surgical ankle might make him even slower. I would only sign these players as a last resort and for DH only. They have to be a bit agressive in the off season to sign a catcher and power bat due to limited choices unless a lot of options are not exercised. Looks like a lot of relief pitchers are available. Never understood the 08 draft.
Michael C,
I do think Dunn would be a good fit for the Tigers,. Would fit well with Cabrera in lineup, could DH much of the time.
Caputo
Core Contrarian,
Your comment made me laugh. Boras has played Ilitch in the past, but the Tigers have gotten some benefits from it, although perhaps not equal to the cost.
Caputo
Barry,
A lot depends on cost, obviously, but all things equal, I'd bring back one of the two - and it would be Mags.
Caputo
Hey Pat, let me take a wild guess here. You have people filtering your blog as well? The irony in that is laughable and very disappointing.
Afraid of a little bit of criticism? Looks like it.
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