Update: Damon next Tribe target?

Several internet reports say the Indians are chasing outfielder Johnny Damon, but General  Manager Chris Antonetti isn't giving any hints.

Damon, 38, played at Tampa Bay last year and has been out of work since his release in October. He batted ,261 with 29 doubles, seven triples, 16 home runs, 79 runs and 73 RBI. 

He showed he could still run by stealing 19 bases in 25 attempts, but his production has trended downward the past four seasons.

Here is more from the Associated Press:

The Cleveland Indians are close to signing veteran outfielder Johnny Damon to help awaken their struggling offense.

The club has been in talks to finalize a deal with the 38-year-old, who is 277 hits shy of 3,000.

In a text to the Associated Press, Damon said: “It should be done soon.”

Damon played with Tampa Bay — his sixth AL team — last season, batting .261 with 16 homers and 73 RBIs in 150 games. Damon would probably need some time to get ready after not being in a spring training camp. If Damon signs, the Indians would be his fourth team in four years.

Cleveland is off to a 1-4 start and entered Thursday batting .178, the majors’ lowest average. The Indians begin a three-game series in Kansas City on Friday.

A career .286 hitter, Damon has also played for Kansas City, Oakland, Boston, the Yankees and Detroit.