Nick Johnson returns, Damon done

The Yankees Friday finalized a one-year, $5.5 million deal with first baseman-DH Nick Johnson, effectively ending Johnny Damon's run in pinstripes.

The deal will not be officially announced until sometime next week after Johnson completes a physical. According to baseball sources, Johnson, 31, had more lucrative offers from a couple of other teams but wanted to return to the Yankees, who drafted him in 1996 and with whom he began his career in 2001.

Johnson was one of many options GM Brian Cashman spelled out to the Yankee high command in organizational meetings two weeks ago in the event the Yankees couldn't agree with Damon. Continue

Comments

[Bryce F]

I personaly don't think that Damon was that good. He had that wierd batting stance, which i found surprizing he could hit the ball (His head moved up and down alot, which makes it hard to track the ball). Him leaving also alows younger more talented player to get play. For example, Brett Gardner and Xavier Nady, and Nick Swisher. I, a Yankees fan don't find Damon leaving sad.

[Arrriaz]

Damon came to NYY for the money, as they all do, (See Texieria, Sabathia, Burnett, Matsui, the list goes on) so he'll likely leave for the money. Some team out there will give him his 3-4 years for his what production he has left and his veteran leadership. Let's not underestimate what Damon brings to the table in terms of intangibles. Let's not forget game 7 in 2004...the grand slam that ended it all.