Damon’s a Tiger
February 21st, 2010 Posted in Johnny DamonAfter a few months of speculation the Tigers and Johnny Damon finally reached an agreement that brings the outfielder to Detroit. Damon and the Tigers agreed to a one-year deal worth $8M.
So, where exactly does Damon fit in? He’s clearly taking at-bats from someone, right? So who’s out of the picture now?
You have to figure this spells bad news for Carlos Guillen. Guillen is an old left fielder just like Damon. Unlike Guillen, Damon has shown the ability to stay healthy. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t think means Guillen is on his way out, they could work as a nice combo with Magglio Ordonez as they rotate from the corner outfield spots and DH.
Assuming that’s all true, who would play in center? I think Austin Jackson should get a shot at winning the job in spring training. However, if he doesn’t perform and looks like he’s not ready, I hope the Tigers give Ryan Raburn a lot out there. I know he’s not an ideal option, but I don’t see any point in rushing Jackson.
How’s this look for a line up?
- Damon LF
- Raburn CF
- Ordonez RF
- Cabrera 1B
- Guillen DH
- Sizemore 2B
- Inge 3B
- Laird C
- Everett SS
You have to admit, the line up does look better with Damon in there. For more on the Damon signing check out the links below:
5 Responses to “Damon’s a Tiger”
By Kenny on Feb 21, 2010
I think they should give Raburn more of a chance than they have.
By paul on Feb 22, 2010
some damon stats from last year:
Left Field: HR (0) SLG% 350
Center Field: HR (0) SLG% 325
Right Field: HR (24) SLG% 826
that added 16ft in right field will be an issue w/ those numbers…
By stephen grosberg on Feb 23, 2010
If Raburn can play CF, he’d be my choice. The same goes for Clete Thomas. Next would be a competition between Casper Wells and Austin Jackson. I’d rather have Ryan Strieby as a DH if Carlos Guillen isn’t healthy against RHP AND LHP. If the OF at Erie move to Toledo, we’ll have more choices. I don’t want Don Kelly again.
By JAYRC on Feb 24, 2010
Agreed
I honestly think A-Jax will begin the season in AAA. I know I’m the minority on this but I’d rather see Wells or Strieby than another year of Clete Thomas. I believe Don Kelly is pretty much gone as well. A-Jax, Boesch, Wells and Raburn are all better options at this point.
Glad you have Inge batting seventh… I saw him batting fifth a few places and almost gaged. I just got my CRINGE t-shirt in the mail. Two more days of work…then it’s spring training for me!
By stephen grosberg on Feb 24, 2010
To JAYRC I agree with your choices, but still see possibilities in Clete Thomas if he shortens his swing and sub in CF. Of course Ryan Strieby is my #1. It all depends on Spring Training. Nick Underhill has also done some excellent analysis on Ryan Strieby. If he hits in Spring Training, Carlos Guillen and Damon should voluntarily give up time at DH. I’m looking forward to hearing your comments in Lakeland. This is going to be the most important Spring Training in some time, IF they give the OF at Erie and the pitchers like Alfredo Figaro, Eddie Bonine, Robbie Weinhardt, the perfect infielder if he hits, Brent Dlugach, and many others a chance. I’d also be interested in your thoughts on guys like Jordan Newlin, Thad Weber at another camp and Josh Rainwater. The idea of cutting or trading Don Kelly to make room is a good one. I think they chose kelly over Casey Fien to make room for Damon, a big mistake if.