With the Yankee’s signing of Randy Winn, it seems that the door has officially closed on a Johnny Damon return to pinstripes. I’m sure I’m not the only one who is kind of bummed that Damon won’t be back in LF next season. I mean, I know why he won’t be back. For one thing, he can’t really play defense. His -12.1 UZR/150 last season was pretty atrocious, and that number certainly won’t get closer to zero as he progresses into his late 30s. His price tag was also way too high. Yes, he did have a very solid offensive year last season (and in each of his 4 seasons in NY), but the Yankees don’t really need that bat, especially with the additions of Nick Johnson and Curtis Granderson. Their offense is potent enough. It was OF defense that needed help, and the Yankees didn’t need/want to spend 10-14 million dollars on a guy that wouldn’t help that cause. But even knowing the reasons why he won’t be back, I’m definitely still a bit sad.
Despite his defensive struggles, Damon really added a lot to the Yankees in his 4 year tenure. On one hand, Damon added an element of speed that the Yankees lacked in the 2000s. Damon had over 25 SB in 3 of his 4 seasons, and averaged 23 SB per season. People like Jeter, Abreu, and Rodriguez all contributed in the SB category, but Damon consistently made up about 19% of the teams stolen bases, which is a pretty good amount. He was also a very solid offensive player. He averaged out to a .285 BA, .363 OPB, .457 SLG, and 19 HR per season. These aren’t all-star numbers, but he was a stable and productive hitter coming out of the leadoff or second slot in the lineup. In addition, Johnny hit very well in the playoffs, especially this past postseason. In the ALCS, Johnny hit .300/.323/.553. More importantly, in the World Series Damon hit .364/.440/.455 and had that amazing/bizarre double steal that helped the Yankees win game 4. My personal favorite Damon playoff-moment game in the 2007 ALDS. I was at game 2 of that series, the one where Roger Clemens was absolutely horrible and Phil Hughes had to clean up his mess (He was amazing by the way. He pitched 3.2 innings of no-run, 2 hit ball. What a game by the franchise). Anyway, the Yankees fell behind early, and in the 5th, Damon hit a Johnny-Rocket that just cleared the RF wall. The HR gave the Yankees the lead, and the place was absolutely rocking. I was jumping around and practically crying from excitement, so that moment will definitely stick with me.
Damon was supposedly a great influence in the clubhouse. We have heard so much about the Yankees having a very stiff, professional clubhouse until very recently (like last season). Johnny Damon was one of the individuals that helped to loosen the Yankees up and give them some life. He was a total goof-ball, but players and fans alike really loved his attitude. I spent a lot of my time in Yankee stadium in the LF stands, so I had a great view of Johnny’s little jump-and-point move during role call. The fans absolutely loved it. He was certainly a great personality to have on the team.
Well, the moral of this story is that Johnny Damon will be missed. He was a very solid player, and truly a fan-favorite. It’s always tough to see a fan-favorite go, but you have to trust Brian Cashman’s decision making. Clearly, Damon doesn’t fit into the Yankees plans for this season or the future. Regardless, we at 6P8OBJ wish him the best of luck and say “adios” to the Damonic left-fielder.
