This will likely be one of the last times I write about Johnny Damon (well, scratch that, I'm working on an article about his and Scott Boras relationship after such a misrepresented offseason), but his press conference is taking place right now and he is officially a Detroit Tiger.  As you can see from the photo, Johnny hasn't grown out a full caveman beard yet, but I assume it's only a matter of time before he grows some type of facial hair as a continuing "f you" to the Yankees "no facial hair below the lip" policy.

Good luck to Johnny.  He was always a fan favorite and he was and still is a huge impact player.  I do believe his numbers will slip a bit in Detroit (especially his power numbers), so my prediction for Damon in 2010 as a Detroit Tiger is:

132 G; .287 AVG; .333 OBP; .412 SLG; 14 HR; 70 RBI; 82 R; 19 SB

Interesting Observations from the Press Conference:

• It does not appear that Johnny was accompanied by Scott Boras - could this mean an end to their business relationship?
• Johnny pointed out that this will be the first time in years that he has his last name on his uniform - he said he thought it was pretty cool, but you could see he was trying to convince himself.
• Johnny's hair is shorter and he looks like he's in playing shape (looks thinner than last year).  Good for Johnny for maintaining his fitness during this tough offseason.
• I know that Spring Training has already started, but this seems like some random backroom press conference rather than a big announcement.  As far as I can see, there is no Jim Leyland, no other Tiger players to greet Johnny, and a very small group from the media.  Maybe I'm just used to the extravagant nature of the Yankees, but it seemed a bit embarrassing.
• Johnny was just asked about his relationship with Scott Boras, specifically if he was happy with how this offseason played out.  Johnny responded "I'm happy I signed with the Tigers....Scott Boras and I are at peace."  With a guy as charismatic as Johnny, you have to assume he would emphatically say that he and Boras are ok instead of making it an afterthought.  The plot thickens....