Hot Stove Targeting: Johnny Damon

Remember this guy? I’m sure you do – Johnny Damon a fan favorite to many Yankee fans. Who would have thought that when he was a Red Sox that Yankee fans would adore Damon while he was a Yankee. The majority of fans did when he played for the Yankees for many reasons. He was a hard worker; he was a team player and always played smart. You rarely see Johnny Damon make a bad play. Why does Johnny have this connection with so many Yankee fans my thinking is for plays like this.  Click the link to watch his amazing double steal.

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=7113111&topic_id=7223232

Yes Johnny Damon has a high baseball IQ and was a great all around teammate.

Below are his stats while a Yankee and than his two seasons after.

As you can tell he is still a valuable asset to a team. Yes his average is down a little but his other numbers are still impressive. Johnny Damon will be a good fit for any team that signs him.

Ok let’s get to the point. Is Johnny Damon a good fit for the Yankees next year?  The answer: no way. I was emailing back and fourth with a good friend about this topic and he basically put it in a nutshell for me saying that Damon is focused on reaching 3,000 hits and why would he want to come back to the Yankees if it was just as a role player. 3,000 hits is so important as that is a bench mark for the Hall of Fame something I’m sure Damon wants to accomplish. Who would he replace in the Yankees outfield? Gardner? Not a chance. Granderson? Ha I just laughed while typing that. Swisher? Well there have been rumors of trading him so maybe Damon could fill in for a year. But I still don’t see that happening.

It’s a great thought to bring him back but for both parties there is no fit.  Johnny was a good Yankee and I’m sure the next time we see him in pinstripes will be at Old Timer’s Day in the summer after he retires.

So what are you thoughts? Do you think the Yankees should or shouldn’t get him?