Johnny Damon looking upset ahead of Spring Training – MLB News
According to sources, Johnny Damon is still looking to a get an offer from a Major League Baseball team. Earlier, news surfaced that the left handed striker is expected to sign a contract with Tampa Bay Rays but the Rays officials have not confirmed the deal as yet. New York Yankees also showed interest in signing him as a designated hitter but the two parties were unable to finalise a deal.
"I think it's a perfect fit,'' Damon said of the Yankees by phone. "But for some reason you have the year I had, especially with a team that has trouble scoring, and you can't even get a call to continue playing. Hopefully it rings soon and whether it rings in a few minutes or a few weeks, I'll be ready with the bat."
"It makes for good talk. ... Everyone wants to get to the mark. But I never started playing the game for that. I never had any intention of getting to 3,000 hits."
Damon was quite outstanding last season as he made the most of available opportunities with the Rays. It is very hard to believe that he has not received an offer until now considering the stats he posted last season. Hitting 16 home-runs with 73 RBIs and 19 stolen bases, he looked on top of his game play. His batting average of .261 was also quite decent and it definitely helped the Rays make it to the post season.
In addition to his superb hitting abilities, Damon has a great desire to learn new skills. He is motivated by his love and passion for the game. Since Yankees have taken steps to acquire Raul Ibanez, the outfielder is very upset about the situation. After hitting one of the best seasons of his career, he was hoping that his phone would ring continuously but that certainly hasn’t been the case.
Yankees’ officials say that Ibanez has a better hitting technique and he can also hit home runs against the right handed pitchers. Damon may be the faster and more agile of the two candidates, as of now, it seems the Yankees are not interested to acquire him.
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