Damon, Tigers agree to one-year contract

Damon, 36, was a key part of the New York Yankees run to the World Series title last year but couldn't come to terms with the Yankees, who reportedly offered a two-year, $14 million deal. The agreement with the Tigers is believed to be worth $8 million.

Detroit was looking for an outfielder who could bat near the top of the order after dealing Curtis Granderson to New York in December.

"We are excited to add a quality player like Johnny Damon to our club," said Tigers General Manager Dave Dombrowski. "Johnny is a proven winner and he brings a left-handed bat that will help strengthen us from an offensive perspective."
Damon is entering his 16th major-league season. He is a career .288 hitter with 207 home runs, 996 runs batted in and 374 stolen bases. Damon hit .282 with 24 home runs and 82 RBI in 143 games with the Yankees last year.

He began his career with the Kansas City Royals and also played for Oakland and Boston before joining the Yankees in 2006. Both of his selections to AL all-star teams -- 2002 and 2005 -- came while he was with the Red Sox.

Copyright 2010 United Press International.