Giles Denies Yankees, Will They Turn To Damon
The Yankees appear to have been unsuccessful in their quest to sign free-agent outfielder Brian Giles to a contract. Johnny Damon remains unsigned, and there’s speculation that the Boras document on Damon may be cause for alarm. Needless to say, the document paints Damon as more than premiere, but possibly hall of fame quality.
Two things to note: the Yankees essentially passed on Carlos Beltran last year for centerfield. Beltran is not the lead-off hitter that Damon is, but he’s also a few years younger. Reports are that Damon wants 7+ years, and $80+ million. Beltran went for over $100 million and was a few years younger. If the Yankees passed up on Beltran only to sign Damon for the Boras price, they really can’t be thinking very clearly at this point and will have to be getting extremely desparate.
December 1st, 2005 at 8:24 am
I actually think that Yankees will try to trade for Milton Bradley or stay pat with Bubba Crosby in CF. I think that Cashman may have shined a different light on Georgie Boy, as far a ” We’ve spent a lot of money, with nothing to show for it” theme. I think Cashman wants to do a Theo thing and fill holes only where absolutley needed and use in house guys whenever possible. The only big signing the Yanks will probably make this year will be for a set up man.
I also think that Damon scared of a few big spenders by injuring his throwing arm. Especially in stadium with huge gaps. Already a weak armed CF, but with an injury he’s almost non-exsitant out there. I would say that at this point he will end up re-signing with the Sox, but I’ve been wrong before (ie: Pedro).