Damon’s Only Option is to Sit it Out
By Mike Silva ~ January 20th, 2010. Filed under: Mike Silva, New York Yankees, Offseason Speculation.
A National League source told Frank he compared Scott Bora’s negotiating tactic with Johnny Damon to “playing Russian roulette with a 9MM” earlier this week. Today, Bob Klapisch discussed the possibility that Johnny Damon might take some time to be with his family, and do the unthinkable: retire. It may be the smartest move for Damon who will have to take a low base contract, perhaps with a team he doesn’t want to play for, in order to be on the field for spring training. Retirement for the modern athlete is always temporary, and Damon could just sit and wait for things to transpire during the season. I also believe a return to the Bronx may become more plausible is this scenario.
Everyone, including me, loves Brett Gardner. He is a gritty player, has great speed, and comes from the system. For as much success the Yankees have had the last two decades, speed and defense has not always been their strength. Gardner brings both, but can he hit over the long haul? Picture this scenario: It’s May 10th, Gardner is hitting .220, the Red Sox have a 3 game lead in the standings, and the Yankees are struggling to score runs over the last week. Jackpot! Boras gets the call and Damon makes his Bronx return shortly after Mother’s Day. Who knows, maybe Carlos Beltran’s knee situation gets much worse and the Mets need a bat. Even Atlanta, rumored to want Damon, could free up money if they see an opening in the NL East.
Regardless, Scott Boras blew this negotiation. The Yankees wanted Damon, he wanted them, and the team was a perfect fit. If anyone offered the 2 years/$14 million, which turned out to be the Yankees final offer, today Damon would sign. From a pure business standpoint Damon should wait till the season starts. Enjoy the time with the family, rest the body, and someone will call. That might be his only shot if he seriously wants to return to the Yankees. It might be his only shot to actually save face and score a decent contract- even for a year. It may be a situation that Scott Boras needs to save face. Playing the proverbial roulette is never a good idea, especially when the victim is your client.
January 20th, 2010 at 10:52 am
The Mets might not be a bad fit for him as a fourth outfielder/pinch hitter/ first baseman. If he costs around 5 million, I’d go for it if I were the Mets. JD is a winning player and has great baseball smarts, it might rub off on those motley crew of Mets. Add Garland , Sheets and Rod Barajas and the Mets have a competitive team adding about another 20 million in payroll a year keeping them under the luxury tax at about 155 million in payroll for 2010.