New York Yankees: Johnny Damon Looking for Reunion with Bombers in 2013
February 25, 2013 · Doug Rush · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
It has been four years since Johnny Damon has been a member of the New York Yankees.
Yet, because of the injury to Curtis Granderson, the 39-year-old is interested in a reunion with his old team, according to Andrew Marchand of ESPN New York.
Damon was a guest on Michael Kay’s ESPN show and voiced his interest for the Bronx.
“You guys know that I would have tons of interest to go to New York,” Damon told Kay and co-host Don LaGreca. “But I just don’t think they would be interested. I’m not exactly sure what happened over the years or something. They have had plenty of opportunities and I kept raising my hand, wanting to go back and, you know, hopefully it would be a perfect fit. It always had been. Have me for six weeks and then send me off on my merry way. That’s fine.”
Damon would be willing to take a league-minimum deal to return to the Yankees and would even accept being cut loose once Granderson returned or if they had no space for him on the team.
The last time Damon played in the majors was with the Cleveland Indians last season, but hit just .222 with four home runs and 19 RBI in 64 games with the Tribe before being released.
Damon originally came to the Yankees in December 2005 and signed a four-year, $52 million deal to come over to the Bronx after spending four seasons with the Boston Red Sox.
In his last season with the Yankees, Damon was a key member of the 2009 World Series team before leaving to play with the Detroit Tigers.
I’ve always been a huge fan of Damon and his name did cross my mind when I saw all of the external options for the Yankees after the news of Granderson’s injury.
Bryan Hoch of MLB.com spoke to Yankees general manager Brian Cashman and said the team will go with internal options for a replacement for Granderson.
Responding to Johnny Damon’s comments, Yankees GM Brian Cashman says, “We will focus on what we have at this time.”
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) February 25, 2013
And that’s something I expected the Yankees to do right now, looking at guys like Melky Mesa or Zoilo Almonte, and potentially even Eduardo Nunez.
However, if the Yankees want to look at other options that won’t cost them any prospects—as well as very little money—then Damon’s not a horrible suggestion.
Sure, he’s not an everyday outfielder anymore and probably should be more of a designated hitter than a left fielder, plus he’s a lefty, which the Yankees have enough of on the team.
But he still brings a positive attitude and big-game experience, which could help.
I still think the Yankees will look to see what they have in-house first, especially since it’s spring training and there are a ton of guys in Yankee camp looking for a shot.
But with the Yankees being known for bringing in veterans in on very cheap deals, Damon could be an option for the 2013 season.
Stay tuned, Yankees Universe.
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