Damon thrilled to be a Tiger, and feeling is mutual

LAKELAND, Fla. - The Detroit Tigers added Johnny Damon for his lefthanded hitting and veteran presence in the outfield. They've already gotten more than that, and the season hasn't even begun.

"I never knew that he had such an engaging personality in the clubhouse," Tigers president and general manager Dave Dombrowski said. "He's a very upbeat person with a vibrant personality that is good for our club. We're a relatively quiet group, so he brings some life along with being a good player that we needed."

Damon, who played for the Yankees from 2006-09, was fired up when he signed a one-year, $8-million contract after the start of spring training, saying Detroit was his No. 1 choice after a contract couldn't be worked out with the Yankees. Now he's even more enthusiastic about being a Tiger. "I didn't know how awesome Jim Leyland is and how close-knit this group is," he said. "And I think the kids are going to have a great year."

Damon, 36, liked what he saw during spring training from centerfielder Austin Jackson and second baseman Scott Sizemore, who are expected to make their major-league debuts Monday in Kansas City. "It's going to be up to veterans to keep them upbeat when they hit a rough stretch," Damon said.

Even though Damon is a newcomer, he has quickly become a leader on and off the field for the Tigers. "He had all of us over to his house down here for a barbecue one night," catcher Gerald Laird said. "He definitely likes to keep things loose off the field, but on it he's a gamer who has won championships."

Damon, who has played at least 140 games in each of his last 14 seasons, won a championship with the Yankees last year and helped the Red Sox win the World Series six years ago. The two-time All-Star matched a career high with 24 homers last season, had 82 RBIs - his highest total since 2004 - and hit at least .270 for the eighth year in a row.

Leyland is thrilled it worked out for the Tigers. "We definitely needed another guy in there," he said. "I think he's a perfect fit for us. We were lopsided righthanded. It's nice to be able to write that name in the lineup.''

Damon expects the Tigers to win and promises to have fun. "I enjoy this game because I know it's not going to last forever, so I take advantage of that," he said. "Life is about enjoying it."