Damon signs one-year deal with Tigers

DETROIT, Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Free agent outfielder Johnny Damon has signed an $8 million contract with the Detroit Tigers, multiple sources reported Saturday.

Damon, 36, turned down offers from the Chicago White Sox and Atlanta Braves before opting to sign with the Tigers, who were looking for a veteran to replace outfielder and leadoff hitter Curtis Granderson, who was traded to the New York Yankees.

Damon batted second for the World Champion Yankees last season, his last of four years in the Bronx, hitting .282 with 24 home runs and 82 RBI in 143 regular season games.

A .288 career hitter, Damon spent his first six years the Kansas City Royals and, after a one-year appearance with Oakland in 2001, he signed with the Boston Red Sox and helped them win the 2004 World Series.

The four-year contract he signed with the Yankees in 2006 was worth $52 million.