Monday, May 11, 2009

Damon Named AL Player of the Week

From MLB.com:
Damon led the Major Leagues last week with five home runs and 15 RBIs in seven games, while hitting .419. His 1.032 slugging percentage, built on at least one extra-base hit in each of the seven games, was tops in the AL.

The weekly award was only the second of the 15-year veteran's career. He had previously earned honors for the week ending Aug. 21, 2006, during his first season with the Yankees.
What makes his past week's performance even better is that he's done it all with a sore shoulder. It was written today in the Daily News that Damon is still receiving treatment for an injury he sustained when he slammed into the Green Monster in Fenway park a few weeks ago.
"Like in September, the shoulder's a little banged up right now, hopefully it will stand up for some time, though," Damon said. "I keep getting treatment and it's been all right so far.

"I may have to continue to stay hurt," he added with a laugh.

...

"I am just thinking about driving the ball right now," Damon said. "I am getting leverage and getting lift on the ball, kind of like last September. I went into September with nine home runs and I finished with 17, so I actually found the home-run swing later in the year."
Not only is he hitting, but many of the hits have been huge. With Jorge Posada out the Yankees are going to need guys like Damon to step up their game, and so far he has. Hopefully he can keep this up.

16 Comments:

Ross said...

So, who did he name the player of the week?

"Damon Names AL Player of the Week"

haha. Just messing with you.

Greg Cohen said...

hahahaha thanks, just fixed it.

Anonymous said...

There's a NESN advertisement on this website? NESN?!! C'mon guys

Greg Cohen said...

There is? Where?

Brian Danuff said...

I don't see it.

Anonymous said...

to the left side or left hand column, previewing canes vs bruins, some patriots story as well

Greg Cohen said...

Oh, I don't control which ads show up there.

Anonymous said...

OK. NESN is so un-watchable.

Brian Danuff said...

If Damon has a great season, he'll defenitely be back next year.

Greg Cohen said...

YB,

Back on May 2nd I would have said no way. In fact I did just that on this blog. But if he can hit like he's been hitting, or anywhere near it, I would have no problem with him as a DH, but he can't play the field more than once a week. He has become a complete embarrassment out there this year.

Brian Danuff said...

Yeah. With A-Jax coming up next year, Garnder, Melky, and Swish are all here to stay, he'll become the Bernie Williams of 2005-2006, just looking for some ABs.

Brian Danuff said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Greg Cohen said...

The key for Johnny so far this year is that he's been a very clutch hitter. Which is something that is hard to find nowadays. I really want to see where his numbers are at the end of the year, because if he has a year like it looks like he could have the Yankees will have a very tough decision on their hands. Either way, anything more than a one-year deal would be silly.

the Gumby chronicles said...

I think the key will be how long can his wheels hold out? Knees/hamstrings have a way of snapping in late July to August for older players as the games start adding up. We'll see.

Greg Cohen said...

That's a valid point, John. And if he does break down that's all the Yankees will need to know they shouldn't resign him.

Anonymous said...

If Damon keeps hitting like this I think the yankees will have to bring him back on a 1 year deal.

I would make Damon the DH next year.