UPDATE: The Daily News is reporting that, despite the contact between Damon and the Yankees, Damon in New York is “unlikely” and that “there just isn’t enough playing time” for him in the Bronx.
Wednesday, 6:58 PM: Ken Davidoff of New York’s Newsday heard from a source Wednesday that the Yankees have spoken with the representatives for free agent Johnny Damon about a possible reunion.
A deal is “not close” and “far from guaranteed,” however, because the Yanks can only offer Damon limited looks at designated hitter (where Jorge Posada is expected to start most nights) and in left field (where Brett Gardner has proven himself worthy of everyday playing time). Damon is thought to be looking for more of a regular gig.
The 37-year-old veteran batted .285/.363/.458 with 77 total home runs over four seasons with the Yankees from 2006-2009, but he finished with an unremarkable .277/.355/.401 line over 539 at-bats this past year in Detroit. He’s also a very poor defensive outfielder.
The free agent market is nothing more than a scrap heap at this point, but the Yankees can do better in their search for bench players. Or utilitymen. Or whatever Damon would be in New York.