Rosenthal on Damon
November 9, 2009, 12:00 pm by iYankees · 3 Comments
From Ken Rosenthal (FOX Sports):
If left fielder Johnny Damon wants to remain a Yankee, he should follow the example of former Yankees outfielder Paul O’Neill, who signed a two-year deal with the team at age 36 in 1999 and a one-year deal in 2001. Damon, who turned 36 on Thursday, is represented by Scott Boras, who usually seeks market-driven contracts. Still, it’s difficult to imagine another team giving Damon a better deal than the Yankees, if he’s willing to accept two years.
Eh, a 2-year deal for Damon is frightening, especially if the second year is guaranteed. Bobby Abreu’s recent 2-year $19 million deal with the Angels appears to be a comparable contract (he also has a $9 million option—or $1 million buyout—for 2012 that could vest with 550 plate appearances in 2011 or 1,100 appearances in 2010-11) in the current market, though, and could end up being what Damon hopes to receive from the Yankees or any other organization (perhaps without the option). Recently, Jon Heyman (SI) noted that Brian Cashman and the Yankees seemed willing to offer Damon a 2-year deal worth $16 million ($8 million per) prior to his stellar World Series. I criticized that proposed deal mainly because of Damon’s poor defense, age, and likely offensive decline. Obviously, if the deal were for 2 years and $18-19 million, with or without a third-year option, I’d be equally critical and even more apprehensive.
Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images
I think they should figure out Matsui’s stance first. He better fits the role of DH.
Then contact Damon and Cameron’s agent and say there is an opening in LF for the defending WS champs, but the Yankees are only giving out a one year contract for $8M. First one to take it, get’s it.
Damon’s defense is just soooo shaky at this point that he almost has to become a DH, but the problem with retaining him is he will still find his way out to LF frequently.
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Agreed, ted. Matsui should be the DH and, I personally think that the Yankees should cut ties with Damon altogether. If he were a good defender, resigning him would be a no-brainer. He’s not, though.
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