"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?