Damon reunion unlikely

[A.E]

The Yankees have spoken with Johnny Damon, but it’s “unlikely” he’d return to the Bronx
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UPDATE: The Daily News is reporting that, despite the contact between Damon and the Yankees, Damon in New York is “unlikely” and that “there just isn’t enough playing time” for him in the Bronx.

Wednesday, 6:58 PM: Ken Davidoff of New York’s Newsday heard from a source Wednesday that the Yankees have spoken with the representatives for free agent Johnny Damon about a possible reunion.

A deal is “not close” and “far from guaranteed,” however, because the Yanks can only offer Damon limited looks at designated hitter (where Jorge Posada is expected to start most nights) and in left field (where Brett Gardner has proven himself worthy of everyday playing time). Damon is thought to be looking for more of a regular gig.

The 37-year-old veteran batted .285/.363/.458 with 77 total home runs over four seasons with the Yankees from 2006-2009, but he finished with an unremarkable .277/.355/.401 line over 539 at-bats this past year in Detroit. He’s also a very poor defensive outfielder.

The free agent market is nothing more than a scrap heap at this point, but the Yankees can do better in their search for bench players. Or utilitymen. Or whatever Damon would be in New York.

-HBT

I really wanted him on our bench & I thought there was good possibility it would happen. I read about how much playing he wants and I have to wonder what the fuck is wrong with him? He's 37, always sucked defensively, and now he barely hits for average. Wake the fuck up Johnny, your not 26 anymore.

 

[Giantmetfan07]

You just listed every reason for the Yankees to NOT sign him. There's no point in signing him. He's old and not what he used to be. He can't play the field, he can't hit for average, and he'd be a bench warmer. He doesn't want to be a bench-warmer. At the very least he'd like to co-DH with somebody else in the AL. Will it happen? Probably not. But if he isn't signed to a contract and guaranteed solid playing time even at DH, why bust your ass to stay in shape if you're going to sit on the bench for 5 months. He's probably thinking to himself "it's either DH, Co-DH, or retire."

I wouldn't be surprised if he faced reality and called it a career.

But honestly, the Yankees just don't need him. They need to look for a darn proven starting pitcher. back-up washed up outfielder isn't their highest priority right now.

 

[Elite]

You guys do realize that he hit .270 last year with a .355 OBP? Those are both solid numbers. He's not great defensively, as the old joke was when he was with the Sox, "Looks like Jesus, throws like Mary" but he still has some speed so he can run down some fly balls.

I'd take him as a 4th OF who could spend some time at DH.

 

[A.E]

You just listed every reason for the Yankees to NOT sign him. There's no point in signing him. He's old and not what he used to be. He can't play the field, he can't hit for average, and he'd be a bench warmer. He doesn't want to be a bench-warmer. At the very least he'd like to co-DH with somebody else in the AL. Will it happen? Probably not. But if he isn't signed to a contract and guaranteed solid playing time even at DH, why bust your ass to stay in shape if you're going to sit on the bench for 5 months. He's probably thinking to himself "it's either DH, Co-DH, or retire."

I wouldn't be surprised if he faced reality and called it a career.

But honestly, the Yankees just don't need him. They need to look for a darn proven starting pitcher. back-up washed up outfielder isn't their highest priority right now.

I'd much rather have Damon as a reverse hitter than Thames, Johnson, or some other broke-ass castoff from around the league.