MLB Tribune

Johnny Damon to the Atlanta Braves?

by Scooter on 01/05/2010 in MLB Trade Rumors

The Braves are interested in Johnny Damon and they can afford to sign him, but it would only be for a one or two year deal. The deal would have to be in the range of $7-8 mill per season if it’s a two-year deal. This is far off from what Scott Boras wanted $13 million per for 4 years.

The Yankees can resign Damon by offering more than the Braves’, but I am not sure if the Yankees are compelled to put up $7-8 mill per year and may only offer $6 mill for one year with maybe an option for a second year.

Yankee fans want Damon back, but they unfortunately don’t make the decisions for the front office. Cashman has said “I will continue to look at any remaining piece, but it won’t be a big piece. Any speculation about some high-end player who has big ability and dollars attached on a large scale would be inappropriate.”

Damon can still hit!

His overall numbers were impressive in 2009: Damon hit .282 (six points off his career average) with a .365 OBP (10 points above his career mark), 36 doubles (his most since a career-high 42 in 2000) and 82 RBI (his most since a career-high 94 in 2004 with Boston).

He scored more than 100 runs (107) for the 10th time in 12 seasons which is a pretty good feat. He struck out fewer than 100 times to continue his streak of never reaching triple figures in whiffs in 15 seasons in the majors.

The Yankees were going to sign at least Damon or Matsui and not both, but Matsui has already signed with the Angels and it doesn’t look like Damon will be in pinstripes in 2010. Too bad!