<TABLE width="100%" align=center><TBODY><TR><TD class=vaLabel vAlign=top rowSpan=5 width=100 align=middle>
</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=subHead vAlign=top colSpan=3>Rays enter bidding for Johnny Damon </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=vaLabel colSpan=3>Johnny Damon - OF - NYY - Jan. 27 </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top colSpan=3>Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that the Rays have been in "regular contact" with Scott Boras about signing free agent Johnny Damon to be their primary designated hitter.
The Rays, like others, have stayed quiet in their efforts to land Damon, but look for the market to step up significantly now that there's virtually zero chance of him returning the Yankees. According to Sherman, Damon would consider a one-year contract in the $7 million range with deferred money. The Rays could be a fit if enough money is deferred so the actual current value of the contract falls to the $4 or $5 million range. The Rays are interested in Damon in spite of their failed efforts to trade Pat Burrell this winter.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=subHead vAlign=top colSpan=3>Rays enter bidding for Johnny Damon </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD class=vaLabel colSpan=3>Johnny Damon - OF - NYY - Jan. 27 </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top colSpan=3>Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that the Rays have been in "regular contact" with Scott Boras about signing free agent Johnny Damon to be their primary designated hitter.The Rays, like others, have stayed quiet in their efforts to land Damon, but look for the market to step up significantly now that there's virtually zero chance of him returning the Yankees. According to Sherman, Damon would consider a one-year contract in the $7 million range with deferred money. The Rays could be a fit if enough money is deferred so the actual current value of the contract falls to the $4 or $5 million range. The Rays are interested in Damon in spite of their failed efforts to trade Pat Burrell this winter.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
