2012 MLB Free Agents: Johnny Damon and Veteran Players That Will Help Teams

Most of the top free agents have been signed, sealed and delivered to their new teams. It’s why signing a veteran player like Johnny Damon is a must for front offices trying to fill out depth for their ball clubs. 

Outfielder: Johnny Damon 

The 37-year-old is on his final legs of a career that has seen him win two World Series championships, make two All-Star teams and finish in the top 20 of the American League MVP voting four times. 

Any team that may sign the veteran ball player is going to get a player with a career average of .286, a .353 on base percentage and a .789 on base plus slugging percentage. 

Over the last two years Damon has been able to play 145 and 150 games, while having at least 145 hits, 79 runs, a batting average of .261 and an OBP of .326. 

Any team that would add Damon would be getting a strong veteran presence who can help a young team reach the postseason. 

First Baseman: Derek Lee

Lee may be turning 37 years old during the 2012 season, but he still can bring a productive bat to whichever team signs the veteran free agent. 

In Lee’s last five seasons, he has produced 115 home runs, 422 RBI and 410 runs scored. Over his 14-year career, he has hit 30 or more home runs nine times, hit over 90 RBI five times and has scored over 90 runs seven times. 

Lee’s career batting average of .281 and career OPS of .860, would be a welcomed addition to any ball club that struggled last year at getting men on base. 

If an American League team would add Lee to their roster, they would be getting a great bat to use as a designated hitter and someone that has a career fielding percentage of .994. 

Designated Hitter: Hideki Matsui

Matsui will be coming into his ninth year in the major leagues, however he will be turning 38 this season. 

If he is put in the right situation, with a team that can get baserunners on around him, he will have a productive season with an American League ball club. 

When he was positioned on a team with a great lineup to hit around, Matsui had years where he posted 90 or more RBI. 

He will never hit more than 30 home runs. However, if a team takes a chance on the 38-year-old, they will get a player that will knock in at least 70 runs with a career slugging percentage of .467.

These three players will not make a fanbase run out to buy season tickets when they are signed. However, all of these players will add a depth that helps teams win championships. 

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