Tribe signs Johnny Damon?!?

[RedDawg53]

I'm excited!

http://bit.ly/IoJseW

[skatingtripods]

Christ. What a fucking mess.

Damon 2nd half last year: .238/.325/.401/.726

Guy's done. He's a shitty defender and a punch and judy hitter. There's a reason he's still available.

Hate this move with every fiber of my being. Duncan hasn't been a problem. Brantley has sucked, I won't deny that. But, since Damon can't handle CF, we'd just be taking away ABs from Duncan, which is a mistake.

In the back of my mind, I knew it was coming. I didn't want to believe it.

Can't wait to watch him uncork a throw from the outfield.

Fuck.

[Cerebral_DownTime]

Having to worry about taking ABs away from Duncan......... Yikes.

[skatingtripods]

Having to worry about taking ABs away from Duncan......... Yikes.

Yeah, it's a sad state of affairs. Pathetic that we're even in this position.

But, again, Duncan hasn't been the issue. Dare I say it, Duncan's probably a better defender than Damon. 52 games in the OF for Damon in the last two seasons combined.

The issue has been Brantley (among other things). If Damon could play CF, I could deal. But you're not going to play Choo in CF, Damon in LF and Duncan in RF.

I'll be shocked if Damon contributes.

I get the feeling I'm going to be in the minority around here with my opinion.

[LakeErieWarriors]

Was this a 'Our team BA minus Santana is .145 through 5 games, let's make a move' type move? Would this have happened if Brantley has 3 hits instead of 1 through 17 at-bats? I dont know what to think. Maybe this lights a fire under some asses; with Sizemore coming back in a month or two, this definitely makes a couple players disposable. But at the same time, I'm wondering if Damon can play any outfield.

[leadpipe]

Damon is done. Offense on the downside, and practically a DH.

That being said, he's still a better hitter than several guys in this starting line-up. Some of them he's better by a longshot. As broken as he is.

This ain't good news for Damon as much as it is bad for the Tribe.

If Choo isn't a middle of the order producer, and Kipnis can't find his way to the top six of this line-up, they are going to really, really stink this year.

And Shelly Duncan....look, the at bat Sunday says it all. Nine pitches, first seven breaking balls. Eighth pitch fastball - which he still hooks foul. Now, if you are getting breaking balls your whole career, and you get them the first seven pitches of an at bat, and you're still sitting dead red - I can't stress enough how you just can't hit that way. You'll get your knocks off of Matt Thornton throwing nothing but fastballs up nine in the ninth. You'll get some off bad pitchers that have no command of secondary stuff, but the year is made up of more than middle relievers in blow-outs and September call-ups. Which is why, at the end of this season, like the end of every one of his seasons, he's going to prove to be a bad hitter, and utterly hopeless against good pitching. His role - pinch hitting, where he might catch some of these relievers that throw 95% gas, is where he needs to be.

Point being Johnny Damon, who is basically as close to Old Yeller as Travis Hafner, in all likelyhood helps this offense. Those who want to cheer for "great defense at the corner infield positions" - (you know, like all the great teams in the past with both corners unable to hit) you gotta try to find some offense somewhere.

Sure, I'd like to see a younger guy, but it ain't the organization's fault for bringing in Damon, it's the organizations fault they don't have an outfielder even close to the horzon that they could give a shot to.

[GodHatesClevelandSport]

Anyone who celebrated the Bobby Abreu near trade should celebrate this.

[Bigfist]

Who is the odd guy out, when Damon arrives? I can't imagine Cunningham, since he is the only one besides Brantley who can play CF. I guess it is Donald?

[Spin]

Well this moves solves our need for a right handed powe hitter because... oh wait. Never mind.

On the other hand, we could have an Old Timers game without changing much of our lineup.

[Spin]

What's Charlie Spikes been up to lately?

[peeker643]

Who is the odd guy out, when Damon arrives? I can't imagine Cunningham, since he is the only one besides Brantley who can play CF. I guess it is Donald?

Asencio and Wheeler are redundant IMO. Wouldn't be shocked to see Wheeler go. Donald another candidate although he has more value IMO than Cunningham or Lopez.

My order? Wheeler, Lopez, Cunningham then Donald.

[Bigfist]

Yeah, I have no trouble having Wheeler go, but Manny has generally liked a seven man bullpen. I guess with a lot of off days at this point, a 6 man bullpen would work, but I would still expect them to go back to the 7 man bullpen at some point.

[Bigfist]

I guess I should add that this signing (if in fact it happens) does border on some panicking by the front office. I didn't really think a lot of the team's chances this year, but I would have given it a bit more time before resorting to this step.

Duncan will always be Duncan...good in spurts, but not good as an every day player. But wow...Damon? I guess this is even more of an indictment of our drafting history, and not just that of Mirabelli.

[danwismar]

I hate this move with every fiber of my being.

[Dnthateonthepronk]

Having to worry about taking ABs away from Duncan......... Yikes.

[Dnthateonthepronk]

Sure, I'd like to see a younger guy, but it ain't the organization's fault for bringing in Damon, it's the organizations fault they don't have an outfielder even close to the horzon that they could give a shot to.

Not that either one has done anything yet, but I also seem to remember that the Tribe decided against packages from the Phillies that could have contained Domonic Brown or Michela Taylor because they felt they had enough quality outfield prospects , which they did at the time, but obviously they were wrong.


So they possibly, I stress possibly because with trade rumors nobody ever knows for sure, could have tried to get a fix and thought they were fine with what they had.

Not bashing the trade for Lee, just questioning the line of thinking.

[skatingtripods]

Sure, I'd like to see a younger guy, but it ain't the organization's fault for bringing in Damon, it's the organizations fault they don't have an outfielder even close to the horzon that they could give a shot to.

Not that either one has done anything yet, but I also seem to remember that the Tribe decided against packages from the Phillies that could have contained Domonic Brown or Michela Taylor because they felt they had enough quality outfield prospects , which they did at the time, but obviously they were wrong.


So they possibly, I stress possibly because with trade rumors nobody ever knows for sure, could have tried to get a fix and thought they were fine with what they had.

Not bashing the trade for Lee, just questioning the line of thinking.

We were also looking at Mat Gamel (.687 OPS over 91 ML games) and Jonathan Lucroy (.680 OPS over 215 ML games) in the CC deal.

Shit happens with prospects. You have to get lucky.

And as far as I remember, PHI wouldn't part with Brown or Taylor. Not that we felt our OF prospects were good enough.

[OldDawg]

Since we're going washed up players, can't we bring back KLofton again? Only been out since '08.

[gotribe31]

Sure, I'd like to see a younger guy, but it ain't the organization's fault for bringing in Damon, it's the organizations fault they don't have an outfielder even close to the horzon that they could give a shot to.

Not that either one has done anything yet, but I also seem to remember that the Tribe decided against packages from the Phillies that could have contained Domonic Brown or Michela Taylor because they felt they had enough quality outfield prospects , which they did at the time, but obviously they were wrong.


So they possibly, I stress possibly because with trade rumors nobody ever knows for sure, could have tried to get a fix and thought they were fine with what they had.

Not bashing the trade for Lee, just questioning the line of thinking.

EDIT: Looks like they could have gotten Brown or Taylor. Good memory...oops. Brown didn't become "untouchable" until the next season.

http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2009/07/cliff_lee_ben_francisco_headed.html
The Indians could have gotten outfielder Dominic Brown or Michael Taylor in the deal, but at the expense of Marson or Knapp. The Indians wanted Knapp and feel they have enough corner outfielders. That's why they agreed to trade Francisco.

[Am I Here Again?]

Since we're going washed up players, can't we bring back KLofton again? Only been out since '08.

And could still play center field better than Damon. Or even Brantley or Sizemore?

[skatingtripods]

Since we're going washed up players, can't we bring back KLofton again? Only been out since '08.

Way he looked in ST pictures, he's still in outstanding shape.

[Dnthateonthepronk]

EDIT: Looks like they could have gotten Brown or Taylor. Good memory...oops. Brown didn't become "untouchable" until the next season.

I may not like to get into deep statistical debates (mostly because I dont have the time, and am burnt out from doing that from years past) but I do have a memory like a steel trap when it comes to the tribe.

[Dnthateonthepronk]

We were also looking at Mat Gamel (.687 OPS over 91 ML games) and Jonathan Lucroy (.680 OPS over 215 ML games) in the CC deal.

Shit happens with prospects. You have to get lucky.

And as far as I remember, PHI wouldn't part with Brown or Taylor. Not that we felt our OF prospects were good enough.

My point/issue isnt the prospects, its the line of thinking behind the choices they made.

Im just saying/pointing out that they had a chance to get a blue chipper at a position of need and overvalued what they had at the time and with the glaring black hole situation that is our outfield now, that little instance just stuck out to me.

All 30 teams have instances like this, its just magnified on our team right now.

[gotribe31]

Wish we had him two years ago.

[Rat_Tail]

I guess he can't hurt. Not sure how much better this is than had they just re-signed Fukudome in the off-season. Damon has more power, but I think we need baserunners more than the occasional solo shot.

Us not signing Pena is looking really bad right now too. I know he turned us down, but the dude is raking right now.

[jb]

"Best run ownership / FO of any Cleveland sports' franchise."

Or so I've heard tale tell.

[pup]

"Best run ownership / FO of any Cleveland sports' franchise."

Or so I've heard tale tell.

[swerb]

I say "why not" with this move. I don't blame the Indians for making it. I do blame them for not doing it in March. Damon's gonna be useless till May 1. They put way too much hope in that pile of shit in LF and CF and should have made a move on a guy when Grady got hurt. Cause it ain't gonna matter if Damon's an upgrade if they start out 9-20. Detroit is a lock to win 90 games, and it would take at least high 80s in wins to get one of the wild card spots.

I am not a Michael Brantley fan. And he is KILLING us right now. I've heard some "little birdie" stuff that says he has a shit attitude as a player too.

Even in his decrepite state, Johnny Five Tool (1984 nickname) is still an offensive upgrade to Brantley IMO. And he'll cover more ground in center. Another guy to throw in the mix at least. And it means the end of The Aaron Cunningham Era, which is also excellent. If Damon can hit like he hit in the 1st half last year, Grady actually comes back, you got a better chance of playing 3 outfielders that can actually hit the ball.

Forget Damon for now though, we need the guys in CF and LF to start hitting the ball right now. Before we're 2-12. Choo too. He whiffed in 3 HUGE spots at the day game I was at Wedns. Dude doesn't have an RBI yet. Hitting in the effing three hole for us.

[Dnthateonthepronk]

Damon, 38, is expected to need at least 10 days to three weeks to get game ready.

From Paul Hoynes.

[jb]

Damon, 38, is expected to need at least 10 days to three weeks to get game ready.

From Paul Hoynes.

DiamondView (TM) confirmed this. Places his date of readiness to suck at 27 days 9 hours and 50 minutes. That was programmed by a Harvard trained statistician, so you know it's right.

[pup]

JB - Killing me today!

[jb]

I say "why not" with this move. I don't blame the Indians for making it. I do blame them for inexplicably being unable to develop a decent corner outfielder since Brian Giles.

^^^

Fixed

[swerb]

Yeah, when is the last time the Indians had a good left fielder? Clinton Administration?

[jb]

Yeah, when is the last time the Indians had a good left fielder? Clinton Administration?

LF or RF?

Seriously, i GET the low payroll. I GET losing FA's. I GET that not every prospect pans out and trades can be duds. But how GD hard is it to develop ONE legit MLB corner outfielder in a decade?

After the CC trade and the drafts, I don't see how the Dolans can stick with these clowns.

2007 seems like a lifetime ago.

[pod2dawg]

Absolute F#$%%%cking JOKE!!!!!!!!!!

[e0y2e3]

In JB's world the Indians didn't develop Choo.

Instead they just gave the fans a blow job and started playing in CBS.

Dumbest. Baseball. Fan. Ever.

[e0y2e3]

I really should start a thread every time the Browns have a UFA in the two deep or the Cavs are living off of ten day contracts.....

I mean, JOHNNY DAMON!!!! WTF!!!

[Dnthateonthepronk]

Instead they just gave the fans a blow job and started playing in CBS.

Wait!!!!!! When was that give away

[jb]

In JB's world the Indians didn't develop Choo.

Instead they just gave the fans a blow job and started playing in CBS.

Dumbest. Baseball. Fan. Ever.

You mean the guy with the .281 SLG % in 2011 ? That stellar corner outfielder?

[scrambler]

What's Charlie Spikes been up to lately?

That's what I'm talking about!! Shelley Duncan is a poor man's Charlie Spikes. This Damon signing will help the team as much as the Ubaldo Jimenez trade most likely.

[Cerebral_DownTime]

I'm angry about something! ARGHHHHHHHH!

[rebelwithoutaclue]

In JB's world the Indians didn't develop Choo.

Instead they just gave the fans a blow job and started playing in CBS.

Dumbest. Baseball. Fan. Ever.

You mean the guy with the .281 SLG % in 2011 ? That stellar corner outfielder?

You're looking at 2012 which is for 32 AB's.

[T_N_T]

We got him, but its a minor league contract

http://pressbox.mlb.com/documents/1/9/4/28895194/04_17_12_Damon_signing_54kf7v57.pdf

[Am I Here Again?]

The wedding is planned but the engagement is going on now. Johnny has to get back into MLB shape (talking eye/hand co-ordination, etc here) before the Tribe wants to throw him into games that count. Since he is a fine specimen of the male species I would think he'll be up here soon.

[skatingtripods]

We got him, but its a minor league contract

http://pressbox.mlb.com/documents/1/9/4/28895194/04_17_12_Damon_signing_54kf7v57.pdf

It's a minor league contract so he doesn't take up a 40-man roster spot until he's ready to join the Indians.

[peeker643]

We got him, but its a minor league contract

http://pressbox.mlb.com/documents/1/9/4/28895194/04_17_12_Damon_signing_54kf7v57.pdf

It's a minor league contract so he doesn't take up a 40-man roster spot until he's ready to join the Indians.

I hope your avatar dies in a fire.

[skatingtripods]

I hope your avatar dies in a fire.

I hope it keeps you up at night.

And if you do fall asleep, I hope it haunts your dreams.

[OldDawg]

Raise your hand if you now think that the Indians panicked and wished they hadn't signed Damon.

[RedDawg53]

Raise your hand if you now think that the Indians panicked and wished they hadn't signed Damon.

If he was "game" ready for baseball instead of soccer than I be excited