Is Johnny Damon a Fit with the Rays?

With almost no suitors to speak of, could the Rays make a move for Johnny Damon? According to Joel Sherman, it could happen:

• A darkhorse has emerged in pursuit of Damon, and it is an AL East rival of the Yankees.
• The Tampa Bay Rays have been in regular contact with Scott Boras about adding Damon to be their primary DH, The Post has learned.
• With the signing of Randy Winn, the Yankees are no longer hedging on Damon, but instead are saying there is zero chance of his return to New York.

You have to wonder just how much more payroll the Rays can actually add this season. I thought they were stretching their limited resources by signing Rafael Soriano, but adding Damon would surely bring the Rays' payroll over the $70 million mark. I'm skeptical that the Rays are willing to add another $5-$7 million to their payroll.

But then again, 2010 might be the Rays' best chance to win. Remember, after the season, Carl Crawford and Carlos Pena will be free agents and the chances are high that the Rays will lose both players. There is a significant argument to be made that if the Rays are going to win, now is the time.

If that's the case, then bringing a guy like Damon on board for a year would boost the Rays' chances of winning and give them one of the best lineups on paper in baseball.