05/02: Damon Wants to Be Back
Posted by: Patrick
Johnny Damon, free agent to be, told ESPN.com's Andrew Marchand that he'd like to return next season, but that it's probably not likely.
Damon, Hideki Matsui and Xavier Nady are all free agents after this season, clearing $32.55 million off the books, according to Cot's.
Nick Swisher is signed through 2011, with a club option for 2012, and Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner are under our control. Austin Jackson is tearing it up at AAA so far this season, hitting .371 with a .444 OBA in 62 at bats over 16 games. Jackson, however, has primarily played center field and it sounds like he's a stronger defender than Gardner.
Assuming that Swisher proves dependable, Jackson wins the job and Gardner doesn't really step it up, it would seem that the Yankees will still need one regular corner OF. The free agent crop includes Jason Bay, Matt Holliday, Rick Ankiel, Brian Giles and Vladimir Guerrero, in addition to the aforementioned Damon, Matsui and Nady. Carl Crawford and Magglio Ordonez both have options for 2010.
We'll see how it shakes out. I could see a scenario where Damon can return. But, it likely depends on how much money he's looking for, as well.
"I know where I want to be next year," Damon told 1050 ESPN New York. "I want to be here in New York. I also know New York has a lot of young outfielders coming back. Austin Jackson is in the wings. At least, in this situation, I know my chances of coming back could be slim because of the young talent the Yankees do have."
Damon, Hideki Matsui and Xavier Nady are all free agents after this season, clearing $32.55 million off the books, according to Cot's.
Nick Swisher is signed through 2011, with a club option for 2012, and Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner are under our control. Austin Jackson is tearing it up at AAA so far this season, hitting .371 with a .444 OBA in 62 at bats over 16 games. Jackson, however, has primarily played center field and it sounds like he's a stronger defender than Gardner.
Assuming that Swisher proves dependable, Jackson wins the job and Gardner doesn't really step it up, it would seem that the Yankees will still need one regular corner OF. The free agent crop includes Jason Bay, Matt Holliday, Rick Ankiel, Brian Giles and Vladimir Guerrero, in addition to the aforementioned Damon, Matsui and Nady. Carl Crawford and Magglio Ordonez both have options for 2010.
We'll see how it shakes out. I could see a scenario where Damon can return. But, it likely depends on how much money he's looking for, as well.
