Damon, Tigers finalize eight million-dollar deal

Johnny Damon, let go by the World Series-winning New York Yankees, has found a home in Detroit.

"This is where I wanted to be," Damon said Monday after finalizing an eight million-dollar, one-year deal.

"The Tigers were my first choice. I love it here and think I am a good fit."

Atlanta and the Chicago White Sox had also expressed interest in Damon, who said he was attracted by the youthfulness of the Tigers.

"The Tigers are a scary team and the fact that this team has gotten even younger makes it a lot more fun," the 36-year-old outfielder said.

Damon brings another left-handed bat to the Tigers' lineup along with that of switch-hitter Carlos Guillen.

Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski had said Damon wasn't in the team's sights as recently as January.

But he entered the picture after Detroit dealt leadoff hitter Curtis Granderson to the Yankees, then saw Placido Polanco leave as a free agent.

"We needed to make some adjustments," Dombrowski said. "We aren't doing it only for this year, but we also needed to move forward. The moves we made earlier in the year allowed us to make some adjustments, not only for now but also for the future. We also brought in some young talent."

Damon hit .282 with 24 homers for the Yankees last season and is expected to lead off for the Tigers.