As the first day of 2010 comes to a close, the Yankees have watched outfielder after outfielder after outfielder get plucked off the market. So, if the Yankees want another left fielder rather than Brett Gardner, who should the Yanks get? Here’s some options:
Johnny Damon, 36 - Well, obviously. He’s still on the market, and no teams what so ever have shown interest in him. That’s probably because he thinks he’s worth 2 years, $20+ million. But he’ll probably realize he’s asking for too much and will lower his price. Then, and only then, will I see some teams [other than the Yanks] show possible interest.
Reed Johnson, 33 - The former Blue Jay batted only .255 with 4 home runs and 22 RBIs for the Cubs in 2009, but only because he fractured his foot in late July and played in only 65 games. He would probably come very cheap, and according to the Yankees they’re going for “cheap” outfielders, so Reed would fit the Yankees criteria perfectly.
Jonny Gomes, 29 - Gomes had a strong year for the Reds in 2009, as he batted .267 with 20 home runs and 51 RBIs. He was non tendered by Cincinatti on December 12th, making him a free-agent. He would probably come cheap too, and getting a cheap, young, 20 home run outfielder is always a nice addition for any team.
Jack Cust, 31 - The slugger put up nice numbers for the A’s last season, hitting 25 home runs and driving in 70 RBIs for Oakland. He also knocked out 33 dingers in 2008, and he would be a nice addition as far as power goes for New York. He played most of the year as the DH for the Athletics, but he’s 31 and can play the outfield.
Out of these four, I think the Yankees are going to re-sign Johnny Damon. Cust, Gomes, and Reed Johnson are all nice players, but I think in the end Damon is just going to have to accept the fact that he’s not going to get a $20 million contract. And as soon as that happens, the Yanks will jump and bring him back. But it probably won’t be until the tail end of January when he does.
That’s just my thinking. What do you guys think?
