With Tigers OF Johnny Damon deciding whether to stay in Detroit or approve a waiver deal to go back to the Red Sox - and amid speculation that the Rays may have had interest in acquiring the veteran hitter - manager Joe Maddon made it clear where he stands on the issue.

“If he can’t be a Ray, I’d rather he be a Tiger, actually,'' Maddon said. "Or a Red. Cincinnati’s fine. Or a Dodger is fine. But not a Red Sox.""
 

Furthermore, Maddon said:

“Johnny Damon is a very good baseball player. He still has a no-trade clause in his contract. I think he needs to really, really understand what a great community Detroit is. It would be a great place to raise a family, even if he explores some of the suburbs, for instance, Birmingham – it’s a beautiful little enclave over there. If you really sat down, Jim Leyland, a great manager - not that Tito (Terry Francona)’s not, Tito’s wonderful - but there’s a lot of good things going on in Detroit. I’m sure he does not want to miss it. ... ’’

"I have a lot of respect for that guy. That guy’s a big-game player for me. He’s very good, and he still is good. We saw him a couple days ago – bat’s still quick, he’s running well, nothing’s wrong with John Damon.''

If Damon isn't dealt to Boston, he would remain with the Tigers the rest of the season.