Johnny Caveman on Board
The Yanks finally made a bold move in the free agent market. They've filled their greatest need by inking Johnny Damon to a four-year, $52 million contract to man centerfield. It's a little rich for someone who will be 36 years old when the contract expires and could be on the downside of his career. He doesn't have the range in centerfield he used to or a good arm. Still, he's a topflight player and the leadoff hitter the Yankees have needed since Chuck Knoblauch's career turned south. The Yankees haven't won the World Series since Knoblauch was in his prime, and I don't think that's a coincidence. With Damon in centerfield, the Yankees need to keep bolstering their bullpen to have a legit chance to win next year. They've taken some good steps in that direction with the additions of Mike Meyers and Ron Villone in the pen. They also added Kyle Farnsworth to replace Flash Gordon, but I'm not sold on that move. All in all with the addition of Damon, the Yanks can be said to have a solid offseason and bolstered their chances to reclaim the World Series glory that is rightfully theirs.
Update: The Yankees have signed Octavio Dotel as the last piece in a rebuilt pen. If healthy - he's recovering from Tommy John surgery - he could be a major asset.
Comments
It might be worth the money just to not have to see him unkempt and scraggly.
But seriously, given their limited centerfield options, it was probably the best move they had.
Posted by: Lesley | December 21, 2005 08:04 AM
Yeah, I'm betting management doesn't let him keep the beard and long hair. More's the pity, the "Jesus look" has been part of his matinee idol appeal for many fans.
Posted by: Elayne Riggs | December 21, 2005 09:00 AM
If you can clean him up more power to you. Frankly I'm a little worried about just what might be under all that.
Posted by: BSB | December 21, 2005 02:44 PM
Dotel will be a more significant acquisition than Damon. The surgery won't be a factor (it should almost be REQUIRED these days - the picthers' arms come back stronger than before). If Dotel finds his stride, he may outpitch Riveira.
Damon's just not as cool sans hair. But he will be a perfectly fine center fielder. Past his prime, but who else were they going to get?
Posted by: Mr. Snitch! | December 22, 2005 10:00 PM