Damon: Braves are at top of list

By David O'Brien

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Braves haven't ruled out adding a free agent if the discounted price is right, and outfielder Johnny Damon made it known again Tuesday that he would like to play for them.

"I hope. They are definitely a team that is on top of the list," Damon said in a text message to the Journal-Constitution when asked if he had reason to think or hope the Braves would make him a competitive offer.

The Braves, Detroit Tigers and Tampa Bay Rays are among the teams believed to have some degree of interest in Damon, 36, who hit .282 and matched a career high with 24 homers last season for New York while taking advantage of hitter-friendly dimensions at new Yankee Stadium.

Detroit might have more to spend than other interested teams, if the Tigers want Damon bad enough.

Braves general manager Frank Wren said recently that the Braves were close to their payroll limit, but wouldn't say what the limit is or how far they are under it.

There have been indications the Braves have only about $2 million or $3 million more that they are willing to spend on player payroll, while others believe the figure could be at least twice that.

Wren reiterated Monday that the Braves were happy with their current roster, but would keep an eye on unsigned free agents in case the price falls enough to fit their budget.

He did not specifically comment on Damon, although Wren has said previously that he liked some of what the former Red Sox and Yankees leadoff man could still offer a team.

Assistant GM Bruce Manno was asked Tuesday by a fan at a Braves Caravan stop whether the team might sign Damon. Manno replied that the Braves were happy with their current roster, but to "never say never."

Damon's .365 on-base percentage in 2009 was 10 points above his career mark, while his 36 doubles were his most in nine seasons and 82 RBIs were his best since a career-high 94 in 2004 with Boston.