Idiots Reunited: Rays Sign Manny and Damon

The Rays stirred up the AL East over the weekend by signing former Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez, and former Sox and Yankee outfielder Johnny Damon.

If this were 2006, these would be monumental acquisitions. As it is, these pickups shouldn't shake up the standings too much. But it is something noteworthy to discuss. And if Tampa Bay has a fanbase, it will be entertaining for them to have some big name talent watch.

Manny Ramirez hasn't hit more than 20 homers since 2008. He hit 9 in 90 games last year. His OBP is still as impressive as ever (.409 last year. compared to a .411 career OBP), but his slugging numbers have dropped considerably, ever since he was suspended for PEDs. Coincidence? Perhaps. He's getting up there in years too. He's 38, and it's hard to imagine a resurrection at that age.

Damon hit .271 with Detroit last year. He's 37. He's a slightly less powerful hitter than in his prime, and he was never much of a slugger to begin with. He doesn't get on base (.355 OBP last year), doesn't run (11 SBs, although he was only caught once), and he strikes out (90 last season, 98 in '08).

Manny's contract is said to be worth $2 million for one year, while Damon's will pay him $5.25 million (Source: SI.com). Manny's salary seems reasonable, and should be recouped by the added attention he'll bring to the team. Damon's seems a bit high, especially if the primary goal was to generate interest in the team. Then again, both guys are Boras clients, and this was probably a packaged signing. So Manny is the 39 cent soda that comes with the Johnny Damon value meal.

These signings will give the Rays more press than they will victories. I guess they don't have much to lose with either signing, and at least they'll have some names on the field. But in the long run, these moves are a turn in the wrong direction for that franchise. This reminds me of when they signed Wade Boggs, and when Greg Vaughn was down there. They've acquired names, not talent.

But even when they had no-name talent, and made it to the World Series, their city failed to support them.

It should make Rays/Sox games more intriguing, even if it is just for off-field storylines. The Rays come to Fenway on April 11.

Photo Credit:
John Cordes/Icon SMI

-The Commodore

Johnny Damon Heading To Rays

"The Rays are nearing a deal with Johnny Damon, according to Yahoo's Tim Brown (on Twitter). There is still work to be done before the sides reach an agreement, however. Agent Scott Boras represents Damon (MLBTradeRumors)."

I like this signing by the Rays. Damon still had a little left in the tank. Last year hit .271/.355/.401 with 69 walks, 36 doubles for the Tigers, yet his power numbers were way down (8) and he doesn't steal many bases (11). I still say I like it, because I think his power numbers can come back and the Rays at this point needed to do something to replace Pena, Crawford, ect. He also could fit in nicely while the Rays try to bring up their young prospects (example: Desmond Jennings).

LeBron James Causes Johnny Damon To Stay In Detroit?

Johnny Damon is a fucking pussy. This was his chance to be redeemed from him going to New York after claiming he would never got o the Yankees, and he chose to stay in the shittiest city in America on a bad team. He can blame it on his "love" for his teammates all he wants, but c'mon, Detroit over Boston (a potential playoff contending team). The real reason he blocked the deal is because he didn't want to deal with the fans, and to be honest, when I was listening to WEEI a lot of people were saying they would welcome him with open arms. Sure you would have a couple of boos here and there but if he hit, the Boston fans would have changed their tune quick.

I even entertained the idea, because I would have rather seen him out there than Nuva ring or Darnell McDonald. I wish Detroit had a series left against the Sox because it would have been that more intense. Damon is pathetic and I hope he stubs his toe today when he gets out of bed.

Another source of mine tells me that LeBron James told him to stay in Detroit and then next year to take his talents to South Beach with the Marlins.
Die

Johnny Damon Claimed By Red Sox

The Red Sox has been claimed by the Boston Red Sox and now Damon has 24 hours to make a decision as the Red Sox are in his no trade clause.

I doubt he comes back because he joined the Yankees after playing for the Sox and he doesn't want to deal with the fans here. Also these comments really don't tell me he's coming back either "My teammates are making this decision easier by saying they want me to stay," Damon said after Monday's 12-3 win over Kansas City. "My gut and everything else tells me that Detroit's the place for me."

If I were him, I would I wouldn't want to come to Boston even though it's cowardly. He is at the end of his career, and he's not having the greatest year .270 7 hrs and 40 rbis, so why would he want to add to the extra stress. He's already burned too many bridges in Boston to come back.

Part of me thinks that the only reason the Sox claimed him is to have blocked him from from going to Tampa Bay.

Johnny Damon A Tiger

The highly overrated Johnny Damon just signed a highly over payed contract (8 mil) to a highly overspending team (Tigers) for one year.

Johnny Damon had a good year last year hitting .286 with 24 homers with 82 RBIs. But it was also a contract year and he had one of the best lineups in the Major Leagues. He made his whole offseason a joke, and I hope he falls flat on his face on the field after a night of partying with Miggy. He could be a quality player for them, but I don't see him making the kind of impact he did while with the Empire or even the Sox. Anyways, he should probably just die.

Interesting Rumor: Johnny Damon

Johnny Damon got offered a 1 year, 4.5 million dollar deal from the Atlanta Braves. It's interesting because I think it's the most money Johnny Damon can get, but I don't know if he'll be able to hold up as an everyday OF in the NL.

I will assume some AL team will offer him a similar contract and he'll go there, but Johnny Damon is this years idiot Boras client. He has came off as a money hungry asshole. Sometimes Boras can kill a clients credibility and I'm glad it happened to Johnny Damon. Fucking Judas.

Yankees About To Resign Damon

"The New York Yankees have begun contract negotiations with free agent outfielder Johnny Damon, major league sources tell ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney. If the Yankees are unable to re-sign Damon, they are likely to look at free agents Mark DeRosa and Mike Cameron as options for their outfield, sources said (ESPN)."

Damon is getting up there in age, but he proved last year that he is still lethal in the batters box (.282 with a career-high-tying 24 home runs, 82 RBIs and 107 runs scored). The Yankees are basically ready to go if they can resign him, but I actually expect them to add another starting pitcher before the season starts. Once again, this will be a very dangerous team.

Red Sox 2 Yankees 5

Well at least we can say that this is over. The Sox had 6 important games in a row against the Rays and Yankees, and what do they do? Drop all 6 of course. Right now the Sox look like a ship with holes in it. One day it's the hitting, then next the bullpen, and even if you get both of those going the starting pitching blows up in your face.

Last night the Sox once again had trouble scoring runs. The Sox had not scored in 31 innings. That was finally broken when V-Mart went deep to put the Sox up 2-1. Lester was amazing last night, but it was the bullpen that did them in. Bard came in for the 8th inning and let up 2 bombs to Teixeira and Damon (back-to-back). So, the Sox took him out and put in old reliable Okajima, but he wasn't much better letting up 2 runs on a single by Nick Swisher, who is becoming quickly one of my least favorite players in the MLB.

Like I said before Boston looks like a sinking ship. They get some good starts out of their pitchers and they are wasting it. The only way this is going to be turned around is if players like Bay and Ortiz wake the fuck up, because right now the Sox are looking like a team of guys who can't get past 1st base.

With the loss the Sox are now 6 1/2 games behind the Yankees for 1st place in the AL East, and are tied with the Rangers for the Wild Card spot.

Damon Blasts Red Sox

"I couldn’t believe that they were letting him walk and try to find a team. That’s the difference between New York and Boston...If you’re a part of New York, they’re going to keep you there: Posada, Jeter, Mariano, it’s the first time in history guys have been on the same team for 15 years. It goes to show you something about how the Yankees think, and how many Yankees players have been exclusive with one team. They keep them forever. (The Red Sox) were ready to let (Varitek) go. He’s their starting catcher. That’s how the two teams work. You know his days are going to be numbered here. But hopefully not -- he deserves to be here until his career is over."

First off Damon it was Varitek who turned down 10 million dollar contract, but whatever. Let's get to the other part. The Yankees down fall has been two things. They stick with these old guys too long, and they don't develop anyone longer enough in their farm system to have any impact. The Sox let you walk when you are over the hill. So fuck you Damon, you are just bitter because they wouldn't resign an aging outfielder who throws like a girl, and is constantly hurt. Go fuck yourself...

Girardi Might Be Smoking Crack

"The Yankees' lineup will have a new look this season. Derek Jeter will be the leadoff hitter and Johnny Damon will bat second, a top of the lineup switch the Yankees will use for the rest of spring training (Sportsline)."

A lot of people are flipping out about this, and I can understand why this move seems to make no sense. Damon is a natural leadoff hitter. He has been doing the same thing since 1996. That being said I think Jeter will do fine there, and I don't see it affecting too much. What I do see affecting the team is Girardi's plan with Mariano Rivera. He plans that anytime a lefty starts a 9th innings, he is going to use Igawa then Rivera. That is fucking stupid. Rivera still is one of the top closers in the game, and there is no reason to baby him. Igawa is a joke, and I think no matter what he will get crushed. There is a lot of pressure pitching in the 9th, and I don't see Igawa doing well (especially in NY).