Joe Smith and Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times says the Johnny Damon would still like “the opportunity to play for the Rays.” Damon had his opportunity to sign with the Rays this off season, but he chose to go with the Tigers.

His reason for signing with Detroit:

• Did not want to play right field for the Rays.
• Detroit’s Spring Training home in Lakeland allows Damon to commute from his Orlando-area home.
• Damon has concern over the Rays’ payroll situation.
• The best reason: Wanted to “take a year off” from the daily grind of the AL East.

“I knew they had some issues with what’s going to happen with (Carl) Crawford and (Carlos) Peña, what’s going to happen with the payroll, all that stuff. I kinda felt like they had to get off to a great start, if not things could change,” Damon said.

“I do love that organization. I probably am going to be rooting for them as soon as my playing days are over. And there’s still a chance in the future.”