After spending the 2011 season with Tampa Bay, where he unloaded 16 homers, 73 RBIs and swiped 19 bases, the designated hitter — and former Red Sox outfielder — doesn't have teams chomping at the bit for his services.
At 38, the lack of interest shouldn't be surprising. Damon's agent, Scott Boras, said Thursday that his client would continue waiting in case more opportunities arise later into the spring.
"Johnny has the eternal genetic pool that he doesn't really need spring training," Boras said, speaking at Jason Varitek's retirement ceremony. "He's hitting, swinging and ready to go. We're waiting for that fit to come.
"He [was] the third best DH in the American League. I've got the data. The game is funny sometimes because there are paths and routes taken, particularly when you're talking about younger players. They have that cycle and to fit all that in –– it'll come, but I don't know when that will come because that talent is needed by a lot of teams."
The Yankees were reportedly interested, but opted to sign Raul Ibanez to be their designated hitter instead. Although Damon's phone isn't ringing, the two-time World Series champion isn't dwelling on the negatives.
"Stress and Johnny Damon, they're not two things that fit," Boras said. "They're really not."
For now, the wait will carry on for Damon.
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