When Johnny Damon signed with the Yankees I immediately rubbed it in the nose of my Red Sox fan friends. Not only had the Yankees acquired an all-star center fielder, but they took him away from their long time rivals. But still, something didn’t seem right about bringing in the guy who – for all intents and purposes – ended the 2004 season with a grand slam off the right field foul pole in the second inning of game 7 of the 2004 ALCS. He was a Red Sox. He was an IDIOT. His interviews hurt your brain. He had a bad shoulder and a weak arm (didn’t we already have a center fielder with a weak arm?). Did this really make all that much sense?
He played well as a Yankee. Had his injuries and ups and downs – like most players. I think he was probably worth all of the money the Yankees spent on him going into the 2009 season. In 2009, Damon had a huge year and had one of the biggest at bats in Yankees World Series history off of Brad Lidge. His steal of second, and recognition that nobody was covering 3rd in game 5 will forever live in Yankees lore.
But let’s not kid ourselves. This guy said he’d never play for the Yankees and sure enough, took $12 million more to leave Boston. This guy tried to retire during his Yankee career. He tried to quit on his team and his contract. His age and injuries continue to rise. One of Johnny’s greatest assets are his legs – and even they’re betraying him. This is not a knock on him. He’s getting older. It happens to all athletes – legends and scrubs. And after seeing a very comparable player in Bobby Abreu sign for 1 year and $5 million with the Angels before the 2009 season – how could Johnny Damon expect much more? Neither are great defenders (and I’m being kind), both are very professional hitters, both hit for power, and both could steal a base.
Two years at $13 million a year was his asking price (as he admitted on Francesa today). Seriously!? And the Yankees offered (maybe not so seriously) two years at $7 million. If Johnny gets a deal that good I’ll be shocked. I actually very much think Damon could help the Yankees this year – on a 1 year deal. But no way would he accept that (as he made clear this past week). The Yankees have a serviceable player in Brett Gardner who I actually enjoy watching. Great speed, good defense, good OBP and a chance to grow. Oh, and by the way, he’s cheap and will be the 9th hitter on a team full of all-stars. He could be another Cano – if given the chance. Or he could fail. As John Sterling likes to say – you just can’t predict baseball. But to lock in Damon for anything more than 1 year, and for anything more than $5 – $7 million just seems silly. Today on Francesa on the Fan, Damon admitted he still thinks he could be a Yankee this year. Be it on opening day, or August 1st. Opening day doesn’t make any sense to anyone but Damon. But August 1st could happen – depending upon who signs him this spring, what money/prospects it would cost, and assuming the Yankees are in jeopardy of missing the playoffs (which – despite PECOTA projectsions – I don’t think will be the case).
We all know the Yankees will go hard for Carl Crawford next year. They’ve wanted him for a long time. He’s their new Torii Hunter. So of course they’re not going to lock in to anything more than 1 year with an aging veteran outfielder. And maybe Randy Winn will hit a few doubles, steal a few bases, and make a nice catch or two. We all know the Yankees will go get someone like a Hairston or Hinske again before the season is over. I just don’t see Damon coming back.
Part of me is a bit sad. He really could help the Yankees win another championship this year. But part of me is proud of the Yankees for trying to get younger and not buying EVERYONE they can. Because make no mistake – if the Yankees wanted him – he’d be wearing #18 in the pinstripes.
And thus ends the first post in a long time. Hopefully I’ll get into a routine and start blogging about baseball, music and other stuff soon. fingers crossed.
