The Johnny Damon talks haven't just picked up, but now the White Sox front office is feeling like they may have "significantly'' closed the gap between themselves and Detroit for the free agent's services.
That was the word from several sources on Wednesday afternoon, as the team has laid out all their cards - at least the ones under their self-imposed salary cap - on the table.
One source did warn, however, that Detroit has more money out there and was still the frontrunner. The Sox are just doing everything they can to make sure it isn't an easy decision for Damon.
As far as all the buzz over the fact that Damon went golfing with Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski, well, Pierzynski might have been doing his best Urban Meyer in recruiting Damon, but the two are also good friends, playing baseball at Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, Fla., as well as Damon getting involved with Pierzynski's TNA Wrestling storyline "Basebrawl'' a few years back.
At the end of the match, it was Damon, sitting ringside, that handed a home plate to Pierzynski. Home plate then went upside Simon Diamond's head for the win.
If the Sox do land Damon the plan is to primarily use him as their DH, giving him some reps in the outfield.