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UPDATE: There’s no deal yet. This morning Jim Bowden says that the sides are still talking, and Ken Rosenthal — who had the original report — notes the same thing, though adds that he believes a deal will be done shortly.

12:06 AM: From Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal comes this rather surprising late-night free agent signing:

Sources: #Indians to sign Johnny Damon. — Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) April 12, 2012

It’s not clear what kind of deal Damon is getting or how much it will be worth. The 38-year-old struggled mightily to attract interest on the open market this winter because of his lack of defensive versatility (or, rather, ability), but he batted .261/.326/.418 with 16 home runs, 73 RBI and 19 stolen bases in 150 games last year for the Rays and could be a useful member of the Cleveland bench this season.

Let’s just hope the Indians aren’t considering entrusting Damon with starting left field duties.