Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that the Orioles "appear to have some interest" in free agent outfielder/designated hitter Johnny Damon. Heyman mentioned the Orioles, along with the Mariners and A's, Thursday as possibly being players for the veteran. O's manager Buck Showalter has said that he doesn't want a full-time DH in 2012, so Damon would seem to fit what they're looking for as someone capable of still playing the outfield (though not well). Damon batted .261/.326/.418 with 16 homers, 73 RBI, 19 stolen bases last year for the Rays, whose interest in re-signing him likely was eliminated by the acquisition of Luke Scott.

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports writes that the Orioles, Mariners and Athletics are among the potential players for free agent Johnny Damon. The Rays signed Luke Scott this week and plan to use him as their primary designated hitter in 2012, so Damon will have to find work elsewhere. However, it's not clear whether any of the teams mentioned by Heyman have legitimate interest. The 38-year-old earned $5.25 million last season while batting .261/.326/.418 with 16 homers, 73 RBI, 19 stolen bases and a .743 OPS. He is 277 hits away from 3,000 for his career.

According to Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times, Johnny Damon is in talks with the Rays and at least one other team. "There was not a better DH in the AL, apart from Michael Young and David Ortiz, and he had a great season down there,'' said Damon's agent Scott Boras. Victor Martinez and Billy Butler were pretty good too, but hey, probably just slipped his mind. Damon, 38, earned $5.25 million last season while batting .261/.326/.418 with 16 homers, 73 RBI, 19 stolen bases and a .743 OPS. The Rays are hopeful to secure two hitters, likely at first base and DH, leading into spring training.

Johnny Damon told Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times that he's still interested in returning to the Rays but hasn't heard much from them. Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman plans on acquiring a pair of hitters, and although he has said re-signing Damon and/or Casey Kotchman is a possibility, they appear to be on the back burner. Topkin opines that, of the available DH options, "none might be better" than Damon, as Vladimir Guerrero and Hideki Matsui "haven't piqued (the Rays') interest" and Alfonso Soriano "is a no."

Johnny Damon conceded that his fate is likely tied to Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman in an interview with the Boston Globe. "I haven't even talked to them just because our GM [Andrew Friedman] is a free agent," Damon said. "He's not going to sign me and then leave. If he goes to Houston, his hometown, he's going to try and bring me along with him. That's where my waiting game is.'' Damon, 38, hit .261 with 16 homers and 73 RBI for the Rays last season, where he was primary used at designated hitter. He's not expected to receive interest from teams other than the Rays or Astros this offseason.

Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman said the team remains interested in possibly bringing back free agents Johnny Damon and/or Casey Kotchman. "They are very prominent in our discussions right now as we're going through things," Friedman said. "I expect that will continue." Damon made $5.25 million this season while batting .261/.326/.418 to go along with 16 homers and 73 RBI over 582 at-bats, and the Rays value his clubhouse presence. Kotchman proved to be a bargain, hitting .306/.378/.422 with 10 homers and 48 RBI over 500 at-bats while making just $750,000.

Ken Davidoff of New York Newsday writes that the Rays "haven't ruled out" re-signing Johnny Damon. Davidoff writes that the Rays "liked his offense" and "loved his personality," but like with most free agents, this will come down to a matter of price. Damon, who turned 38 earlier this week, made $5.25 million this season while batting .261/.326/.418 to go along with 16 homers, 73 RBI and a .743 OPS over 647 plate appearances.

Johnny Damon said following Tuesday's exit from the ALDS that he would "love to be back" with the Rays next season. "I don't even feel like packing anything up," said Damon. "I felt like this was the perfect fit. . I would love to be back." Damon made $5.25 million this season while batting .261/.326/.418 to go along with 16 homers, 73 RBI and a .743 OPS over 647 plate appearances. He turns 38 in November and is just 277 hits away from 3,000 for his career.

Johnny Damon finished 3-for-3 with a homer and four RBI in Saturday's 6-2 win over the Blue Jays. Damon hit a run-scoring double in the bottom of the first inning and a three-run shot in the eighth. Now with 16 homers, 71 RBI and 19 steals, he's quietly pieced together a strong fantasy campaign. The Rays are now just 1 1/2 games behind the Red Sox in the American League Wild Card standings.

Johnny Damon returned to action on Wednesday September 7.