Johnny Damon Rumors: Yankees Would be “Perfect Fit”

The Hot Stove season is winding down and another Spring Training is nearly upon us.  Fans have their eyes on the few high-profile free agents remaining, waiting to see where the final pieces land.  The players themselves are waiting, and for some a call may never come.  Many are sure of their abilities, but one player in particular doesn’t understand why teams haven’t been reaching out to him; Johnny Damon.  After a 17-year career featuring All-Star games and World Series victories, Damon is left waiting for his phone to ring one more time.  Damon sat down with CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman to discuss his tumultuous offseason.

Damon told Heyman that he’s unsure why, after having the year he had in 2011, he hasn’t received a call to continue playing.  In his first season with the Rays, Damon hit at a clip of .261/.326/.418 with 16 home runs, 29 doubles, 73 RBI’s and 19 stolen bases.

To Damon, he would be a perfect fit for the New York Yankees, who have been tied to him this winter, but he’d certainly consider other clubs at this point.

Unfortunately for Damon, it doesn’t appear that other clubs have considered him; at least not to the point where they dialed his number.  New York apparently has their sights set on fellow free agent Raul Ibanez for their designated hitter position.  Other teams such as the Baltimore Orioles have checked in, but decided to go in a different direction.

Damon was especially confused by the lack of interest from his most recent club, the Rays.  Instead of bringing Damon back for another season, the Rays decided to spend $5 million on free agent slugger Luke Scott.  Damon sounded like this was a slap in the face, though Scott did hit 27 home runs with a .902 slugging percentage in 2010 before facing an injury-plagued ’11 season.

Damon, 38, doesn’t sound like he’s contemplating retirement if he doesn’t receive a call soon.  Damon finished his conversation with Heyman noting that whether the phone rings in a few minutes or a few weeks, he’ll be ready with his bat.

Damon should be able to find a roster spot before Opening Day.  Still, it’s to be determined where the veteran will land and in what role he will be used in 2012.

Are you surprised Damon has received so little interest this offseason?  What role would you want him to play on your team?

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