Johnny Damon Has No Deal, and Wants One

If the Red Sox were not so loaded with left-handed hitters, I'd want them to look at Johnny Damon. But he apparently wants a call from the Yankees.

Jon Heyman makes his case.

Damon is more than a fine teammate, he's been a key man on two World Series winners, the historic 2004 Boston Red Sox and the 2009 Yankees. Damon is a winner, always has been. Ibanez is by all accounts a very nice fellow, but Damon is a big clubhouse presence who always has been the one to stand up and answer the tough questions when things aren't going well.

Damon, who at 38 is also a year younger than Ibanez, may not be the defender he once was, but the job is for a DH, and Damon has all the experience at that. Damon also has a superb history in the American League East, having thrived for all three of the big teams in that division.

I'm not sure if Johnny was ever "the defender he once was," but I take the general point. Damon had a solid 2011. He even stole 19 bases, which I'll wager is near the top among DHs.

Like so many players this offseason, he probably just costs too much. But if the Yanks start slow, his phone might ring. It would take longer for the Sox to call, but they'd never say never.