While we were busy discussing the advantages or disadvantages of Johnny Damon playing under the Olde English D, his agent was busy telling the Tigers just how much the caveman would like to spend a summer in the Motor City.
Lynn Henning of the Detroit News spoke to agent Scott Borass on Monday to find out his feelings on the matter (Big Al first linked to this in a FanShot).
"Johnny believes the addition of him to Detroit's lineup would make the Tigers a winner," Scott Boras, Damon's agent, said during a Monday phone conversation.
Boras agrees.
"He's batted .363 at Comerica Park, he has a .412 on-base percentage at Comerica," Boras said.
This episode reminds me of two things: The first is Pudge Rodriguez coming to Detroit because he knew he could make the Tigers a winner, or something along those lines. So Boras is dipping into his greatest hits quote box here.
And the second thing I keep thinking of is that commerical for America Airlines.
"Dave, we have teams on both coasts that are interested. But Johnny only wants to play for Detroit."
That stat Boras quotes is a bit misleading of course, because of the ... wait for it ! ... wait for it ! ... small sample size. Ugh, I feel like I need a shower now. Damon has had 189 plate appearances in Detroit's ballpark. That's not insignificant, of course. He's had sustained success in the park. But it's a number small enough not to bet the farm on the trend continuing at that rate.
Of course, Boras is just saying what had to be said. It has a slight smell of desperation to it. Hopefully that's a good sign, as another possible destination or two may have come off the rolls on Monday after the Reds and A's made a trade, and Oakland added Gabe Gross. If Damon wants to play baseball for the right deal and wants a possibility of making the playoffs, Detroit is as good a stop as any.
Anyway, nothing groundbreaking in Monday's events. The Tigers seldom show their hand, so we really know nothing more than we did 24 hours ago.
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