Johnny Damon

Johnny Damon (Indians)

4/24/12 11:10 am

Johnny Damon had four plate appearances Monday while playing left field in extended spring training.

Damon began playing in extended spring training games last Friday and should head to the Indians’ Triple-A affiliate soon. He’ll be worth using in AL-only and deeper mixed leagues once he makes his way to the majors in early May.

Source: twitter.com

Johnny Damon (Indians)

4/22/12 8:57 am

Johnny Damon hit a home run in one of his two plate appearances Saturday in extended spring training.

Damon played in his first game Friday, making three plate appearances. Indians manager Manny Acta said there’s no timetable for when the veteran will join the big club. “What schedule?” said Acta. “I don’t know. He’s getting in shape, he’s getting at-bats. There’s no such thing as a set schedule. When Johnny is ready … when he’s gotten enough at-bats and played enough outfield there and in Triple-A, he’ll join us. It’s as simple as that.” It seems likely that we’ll see Damon added to the roster in early May.

Source: cleveland.com

Johnny Damon (Indians)

4/17/12 3:33 pm

Johnny Damon told reporters Tuesday that he believes he can be ready to play in a week.

Damon signed a minor league contract with the Tribe this week that carries a $1.25 million salary for the time that he’s in the major leagues. He’s been working out all spring but needs several days to get in game shape. The 38-year-old will function as a part-time left fielder and DH this year.

Source: twitter.com

Johnny Damon (Indians)

4/17/12 2:53 pm

Indians general manager Chris Antonetti confirmed Tuesday that Johnny Damon will get the bulk of his at-bats in left field or at DH.

Travis Hafner is in place as the club’s primary DH, so Damon will be forced to see most of his playing time in left field. It could lead to some epically bad defense, but Damon should still be productive enough offensively to own in most mixed leagues. The early word is that he’ll need about two weeks to get into shape before joining the Indians’ roster.

Source: twitter.com

Johnny Damon (Indians)

4/17/12 12:06 pm

Indians signed OF/DH Johnny Damon to a minor league contract.

It’s finally official. Assuming Damon is ready to join the Indians in early-May, he’ll make a salary of $1.25 million and could earn an additional $1.4 million in performance-based incentives. The deal also includes a verbal opt-out agreement if he isn’t getting enough at-bats. Of course, that shouldn’t be much of an issue as long as Grady Sizemore (back) remains on the disabled list. Damon will be a liability defensively in left field, but he’s a borderline play in most mixed fantasy leagues.

Johnny Damon (Indians)

4/13/12 12:29 pm

Indians signed OF Johnny Damon to a one-year, $1.25 million contract.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer has confirmed the deal, which includes another possible $1.4 million in incentives. The deal reportedly includes some no-trade provisions, and an out-clause based on “if and when Grady Sizemore comes off the disabled list.” Once Damon gets his bat up to speed in extended spring training or some minor league games, he’s expected to platoon with Shelley Duncan in left field. It’s unlikely he’ll need more than a week to get ready.

Source: cleveland.com

Johnny Damon (Rays)

4/13/12 7:54 am

Johnny Damon’s one-year deal with the Indians is expected to include a verbal opt-out agreement.

According to MLB.com’s Peter Gammons, the deal does not include a “set opt-out,” but instead a “verbal agreement” between Damon and Indians GM Chris Antonetti that if “(Damon) isn’t getting ABs, it will be worked out.” The deal should finally become official on Friday, while Damon could make his Tribe debut late next week.

Source: twitter.com

Johnny Damon (Rays)

4/12/12 6:21 pm

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that the Indians and Johnny Damon have agreed to a one-year, $1.25 million contract.

The deal also includes $1.4 million in performances bonuses and should be officially announced by the Indians on Friday. Damon is expected to take over the starting left field job, even though he’ll be a pretty big liability defensively. The 38-year-old .261/.326/.418 with 16 home runs, 73 RBI and 19 stolen bases last season for the Rays. He’s worth considering in 12-team mixed leagues.

Source: twitter.com

Johnny Damon (Rays)

4/12/12 11:27 am

According to WTAM 1100′s Nick Camino, a physical is the only thing standing between the Indians and a contract agreement with veteran free agent Johnny Damon.

A deal should be announced by Friday morning. Damon is a very poor defender but is likely to get regular playing time in left field for Cleveland nonetheless. The 38-year-old batted .261/.326/.418 with 16 home runs, 73 RBI and 19 stolen bases in 150 games last season for the Rays.

Source: twitter.com

Johnny Damon (Rays)

4/12/12 7:42 am

ESPN’s Jim Bowden reports that there is no agreement between the Indians and free agent Johnny Damon.

FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reported Wednesday night that the Indians were set to sign Damon, and it’s still possible that they will, but talks are ongoing. “The Indians and Johnny Damon are in the early stages of conversations on a possible deal,” a source told Bowden, “so the reports are premature and surprising.” Damon, 38, batted .261/.326/.418 batting line with 16 home runs, 73 RBI and 19 stolen bases in 150 games last year for the Rays.

Source: twitter.com