Johnny Damon Interested in Returning to New York
By Aaron Somers
Johnny Damon’s hoping for another shot at playing time and would love to return to the Yankees, but a reunion doesn’t seem likely. (Image Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports)
With Curtis Granderson out for the next 10 weeks thanks to a fractured forearm, the New York Yankees are reportedly evaluating their options to replace him in the lineup. Most of the speculation has focused on the team’s internal options, with a few trade thoughts thrown in. Little has been suggested as far as the remaining free agent market, however, as there really aren’t any suitable options available.
One of those available, Johnny Damon, has expressed an interest in returning to New York to help fill that void. Damon reportedly spoke to Michael Kay on radio Monday morning (according to ESPN New York’s Andrew Marchand), telling the Yankee broadcaster that he’s willing to be a simple rental.
"You guys know that I would have tons of interest to go to New York, 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 spent the 2006 to 2009 seasons with the Yankees, batting .285/.363/.458 over that span. Following a World Series Championship in 2009 Damon and the team parted ways when an agreement couldn’t be reached with Damon’s agent, Scott Boras. He’s since played for the Detroit Tigers, Tampa Bay Rays, and Cleveland Indians and hasn’t drawn much, if any, interest on the open market this winter.
New York has a decision to make regarding how to handle Granderson’s absence from the lineup and there are a handful of internal options that could likely offer just as much production as Damon could at this point. It’s nice of him to offer, but I think he’s right, the Yankees won’t (and shouldn’t) have much interest.