Johnny Damon, stud or dud

[Cooner]

I'm reposting this because it belongs here, despite the Hamster's opinion. I would be glad to find the 1/3 of the posts in this forum that ask the identical question and don't get Hammied (because they shouldn't).

Johnny Damon is playing some of the best baseball of his career. Is this something that will continue, or is it a natural "upswing" that will be shortly followed by a return to career averages? Are you buying or selling the guy, and why?

[reznorsboy]

I think Johny is the real deal!! He is playing everyday and is having fun doing it. I think he finally is comfortable where he is and the team is winning. His main attribute in my opinion is effort! When johny is on first and a single is hit he goes first to third faster than anyone in the league in my opinion and it is just as much effort as speed! He also gives it his all in the outfield. I'm not a red sox fan but I appreciate good effort when I see it. I think Johnny is a safe bet to finish the season strong.

[stumpak]

I would say it's most likely he regresses to somewere near his career norm BA in the second half. Power has been unexceptional this year and the SBs honestly worry me--he has been getting on pace so much he is still on pace for less than 20.

[Jagfan21]

Damon 300+

[MMoNeY24]

I think he's the real deal and is what holds the hitting together for the Sox at the top of the lineup... he's that enigma (atlist this year and last) that can get on base and score runs that many teams lack.

[This is the year]

Damon is the best leadoff hitter in baseball.

However, he has a nagging shoulder injury that could limit his production -- he just hasn't looked the same at the plate for the last few games, though he's kept his hitting streak alive. If you're looking for a guy that's a lock for 20 homers and 20 steals, Johnny is not your man. However, assuming he doesn't have to spend time on the DL, I would expect him to hit about .300 for the rest of the year and finish with at least 110 runs scored, 15 SB, 12 HR, and 85 or so RBI. It's not out of the question that this is an "upswing", but my guess is that the guy has just matured as a ballplayer -- he's been hitting over .300 for a year and a half now.

[nuggets]

I'm reposting this because it belongs here, despite the Hamster's opinion. I would be glad to find the 1/3 of the posts in this forum that ask the identical question and don't get Hammied (because they shouldn't).

Johnny Damon is playing some of the best baseball of his career. Is this something that will continue, or is it a natural "upswing" that will be shortly followed by a return to career averages? Are you buying or selling the guy, and why?

As am I, The Red Sox are holding off on making a conclusion just yet. If he stays healthy he is certainly a stud whose contract will be renewed.

[zhutou]

damon IS the best leadoff hitter in baseball. he never strikes out swinging and always makes contact.

[bleach168]

Stud.

[kcs261]

Stud.