Tampa Bay may become the new breeding ground for Damon disciples. The Rays acquired Johnny Damon January 21 in a deal that also brought Manny Ramirez. Gone are Damon’s days of winning the hearts of New England females with his feathery locks and scruffy beard. Will the ladies of Florida fall in love with the 37-year-old fielder?
Damon’s World Series team, the Boston Red Sox, boasts a lineup replete with young hitters and base stealers, evidenced by the recent pickup of Carl Crawford. The Rays, on the other hand, will try to rebuild after last season’s division series loss to the Rangers. Grooming habits aside, Tampa Bay fans will wonder—what will Damon bring to the lineup?
With last year’s Tigers, Damon hit .271 and had just eight home runs. Sure, he’s not know as a power hitter, but putting up stats like these does not favor being moved to the DH spot for 98 games of the season. The Rays have youth on their side, with hitters Evan Longoria and B.J. Upton. But the Rays’ division rival, the Red Sox, offer a deep starting rotation to offset any threats at bat.
Ramirez may come through as the Rays’ DH if he stays healthy. His last season with the Dodgers was plagued by injuries. But more pressure falls on Damon, who resumes an outfield position. He’ll need to work on his relay if he faces the quick bats of the Red Sox. Ramirez may provide the big swings, so Damon will feel some relief offensively. He’ll just need to sure his hair stays out of his eyes while he waits in left field.
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