Yankees Deny Johnny Damon Once Again

The New York Yankees have suffered a blow to their outfield and their lineup when news surfaced of Curtis Granderson's broken arm, keeping him sidelined for at least 10 weeks. 

One-time Boston Red Sox World Series hero and former Yankees outfielder, Johnny Damon has now twice tried to get back into the good graces of the New York Yankees as he searches for employment in Major League Baseball. Ever since his four-year stint in NY, Damon has been the victim of one-year contracts with Detroit, Tampa Bay and Cleveland, not allowing him the peace of mind most athletes crave toward the end of their careers.

Damon is not viewed as a long-term possibility and that is why GM Brian Cashman has refused to take a look at the outfielder, even after he publicly lobbied for the job on ESPN New York's Michael Kay show. 

"Have me for six weeks and I'll be on my merry way," Damon was quoted saying on air.

Since his last season in Ne York (2009) where he started 128 games in left field, Damon has started a combined 98 games in the outfield, which is why Cashman doesn't view him as the appropriate stop-gap in Center field. 

"It's the same reason we didn't bring him in last year. We need somebody who can play the outfield every day," Cashman replied when asked about the Yanks interest in the elder statesman. 

Damon most likely has some pop and use left in his bat, but his fielding is most likely just not up to every-day standards - but he should find work this season, whether a team has a need due to injury or just wants to add a talented and level-headed veteran to the clubhouse.