The Yankees, frustrated in their attempts to re-sign Johnny Damon, have reached agreement on a one-year deal with Nick Johnson, pending a physical, sources said.
The deal will pay Johnson $5.5 million, and he can earn additional money in incentives based on plate appearances. There is a mutual option -- to which both sides would have to agree -- for 2011 for the same dollar amount.
Johnson, who was drafted and developed by the Yankees, will presumably serve as the team's designated hitter and No. 2 hitter. Johnson's career has been filled with injury, he doesn't hit for a lot of power, and his defense at first base has been viewed by scouts as regressing. But when he plays, he consistently gets on base. Among current free agents, Johnson had the highest on-base percentage in 2009, at .426 with the Nationals and Marlins.
This likely means the end of Damon's tenure with the Yankees. Damon signed a four-year, $52 million deal with the Yankees prior to the 2006 season and took advantage of the Yankees' new ballpark to have a strong 2009 season.
Johnson being the best player for the Nationals is like saying J.P. Losman was the best player in the UFL. At the end of the day, it's still overpaying for a mediocre player. I'm sure the Yankees will remember why they shipped Johnson out in the first place soon enough.
More intriguing is what this means for Johnny Damon. I wonder if he signs with the Angels just to completely reassemble the 2005 Yankees outfield. But more interesting, I wonder if a return to Boston could be a possibility for him.
Originally posted by It's FalseMore intriguing is what this means for Johnny Damon. I wonder if he signs with the Angels just to completely reassemble the 2005 Yankees outfield. But more interesting, I wonder if a return to Boston could be a possibility for him.
Return to Boston and return of the Jesus beard? I would mark out, and I'm not even a BoSox fan.