Sheldon Ocker: Johnny Damon addition doesn’t add up-djkfmvf0423
Is Johnny Damon the answer? Indians Jersey
It depends on the question. Exactly why did the Indians sign the veteran outfielder? He does not fill an obvious need.
Damon has had an outstanding career. He is a high-profile, high-energy player who has been a positive factor on several teams, both on the field and in the clubhouse.
Even last year at age 37, he compiled a satisfactory set of numbers: .261 batting average, 16 home runs, 73 RBI and 19 steals in 150 games. But his statistical contributions have been trending downward for the past four seasons, which is to be expected.
At 38, is he supposed to reverse that tendency? He is yet another left-handed batter in a lineup overly stocked with lefties. His forte never has been as an elite defender. His most notable characteristic as a left fielder is a lack of arm strength. Many baseball people believe that even in his prime he had the weakest outfield arm in the major leagues. Is it now getting stronger?
After Damon’s signing became official last week, Tribe officials — and Damon himself — seemed to emphasize the tenuous relationship between him and the team, including the gentleman’s agreement that he can opt out of the deal and go elsewhere if he isn’t playing much with the Indians. Ricky Vaughn Jersey
Tribe manager Manny Acta and General Manager Chris Antonetti have stressed that Damon isn’t taking over left field. Acta made it clear that Damon won’t even be a full platoon player, that is, he won’t play against every right-handed pitcher, because he wants Shelley Duncan to receive more than the 200 or so at-bats he would get playing exclusively against left-handers.
When Antonetti mentioned that Damon might see some time at designated hitter, Acta squashed the notion: “We have a DH, Travis Hafner,”he said. Damon said he is willing to spend some time at first base, though neither Acta nor Antonetti talked about that.
So what is Damon supposed to do for a club that already has a left-fielder who is not a defensive wizard, a team that fields a lineup of too many left-handed batters? He plays the same position as Duncan, one of the few right-handed batters on the roster who can hit the longball and drive in runs.
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