Call to the Pen » Johnny Damon

Johnny Damon Interested in Returning to New York

Aaron Somers — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 05:10:36 +0000

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.

Johnny Damon, Andy Pettitte Comeback City

Lew Freedman — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:43:51 +0000

Unlike generals, old ballplayers don’t fade away. They keep on coming back for as long as they can. And you can’t blame them. The job as professional baseball player is rivaled by few others in our society for glamor, fun, and moneymaking. So Johnny Damon has a new team and Andy Pettitte is inching closer to becoming part of his old team.

And we shouldn’t overlook Hideki Matsui (lifetime average .285), recently signed to a minor league contract by the Tampa Bay Rays, and Vladimir Guerrero, getting a look-see from the Arizona Diamondbacks. All of these guys are closer to AARP membership than their rookie days, but depending on what they have left the teams giving them a shot are giving them that shot because of a need.

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Vladimir Guerrero Rumors: Diamondbacks to Work Out Vlad

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:45:39 +0000

Vladimir Guerrero has resurfaced, and it’s once again for baseball-related news. According to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic, the Arizona Diamondbacks are going to work out Guerrero. You can tell from Piecoro’s Tweet that he was surprised by the news of the Diamondbacks interest in Guerrero. Piecoro starts off with an ‘Uh, I guess’ [...]

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Analysis: Bobby Abreu Options

Joe Soriano — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 13:08:07 +0000

In late March, the Los Angeles Angels had been looking to trade veteran outfielder Bobby Abreu and finally found somebody interested. The Cleveland Indians and Angels were discussing a trade that would send Abreu to Cleveland, but things fell apart as neither side could agree on how much of Abreu’s $9 million deal would be paid for by the Indians. (more…)

Johnny Damon Officially Signs with Cleveland Indians

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 13:07:00 +0000

Late Wednesday night it was reported that the Cleveland Indians had reached an agreement with veteran free agent Johnny Damon. However, yesterday morning the Indians and Damon both confirmed that nothing was official, though many believed it was only a matter of time before a deal was announced. That announcement came last evening as the terms of Damon’s agreement with the Indians became official. (more…)

Johnny Damon Rumors: Indians Deal Not Done Yet

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:40:12 +0000

Last night Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported that the Cleveland Indians had reached an agreement with free agent outfielder/designated hitter Johnny Damon. Rosenthal’s source passed on specifics of the deal, but the financial terms were not announced. However, this morning Rosenthal and other members of the media are reporting that an agreement between the Indians and Damon has yet to be reached. (more…)

Vladimir Guerrero Released from Jail; Faces No Charges

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:56:38 +0000

Yesterday we learned that veteran free agent Vladimir Guerrero had surrendered to the police after a warrant for his arrest had been posted in his native Dominican Republic. Guerrero and his family maintained his innocence, and it’s now being reported that the former all-world slugger will not face any charges stemming from his arrest. (more…)

Johnny Damon signs with Cleveland Indians Analysis

Joe Soriano — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:22:14 +0000

Johnny Damon has signed an interesting contract with the Cleveland Indians, as he has a full no-trade clause and can opt out on a specific day after Grady Sizemore returns. Sizemore is out for 8-12 weeks following back surgery, after receiving a new contract from the Indians this offseason. An earlier report stated that Damon would sign by May, and he has found his team for the time being. The Indians were interested in acquiring Bobby Abreu from the Los Angeles Angels, but they will have the 38-year-old lefty Johnny Damon instead.

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Johnny Damon Rumors: The Damon “Mystery”

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 13:00:37 +0000

Last week Scott Boras announced that his client, Johnny Damon, will sign with a major league club by May 1. The veteran outfielder/designated hitter is seeking an opportunity that will provide him with at least 450 plate appearances this season. According to Nick Carfado, people around the game of baseball can’t figure out why Damon is still available. One unnamed general manager wondered why teams like the Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Rays, Cleveland Indians and Detroit Tigers haven’t taken a flier on Damon yet. (more…)

Johnny Damon Rumors: Damon to Sign by May 1

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 22:12:53 +0000

Scott Boras told ESPN’s Buster Olney that his client, Johnny Damon, will be signed by May 1. Boras added that, while he doesn’t know where Damon will sign, the veteran free agent is looking for an opportunity that offers him 450 plate appearances in 2012. Damon has recently been tied to the Cleveland Indians, and he’s also had his name connected with the Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays this offseason. (more…)