The Yankees' World Series title may likely end up being Johnny Damon's last hurrah as a member of the Bronx Bombers.
The New York Post is reporting that the Yankees, who have informed agents that they have just $2 million to spend on a potential left fielder for the 2010 season, are likely unable to re-sign the free agent Damon this offseason. Despite being 36 years old, Damon is asking for an annual contract of somewhere in the vicinity of the $13 million he made last season as a member of the Yanks, according to the Post.
Although he's getting up there in age, the 15-year vet hasn't slowed down much since he came to the AL East back in 2002 with the Red Sox. In fact, his statistical comparison from his four years in Boston and his four years in the Bronx are downright spooky.
With Boston from 2002-05, Damon posted a .295 batting average, a .362 OBP and a .441 slugging percentage. He stole 98 bags, walked 262 times and drove in 299 RBIs.
With New York from 2006-09, Damon posted a .285 batting average, a .363 OBP, and a .458 slugging percentage. He stole 93 bags, walked 268 times and drove in 296 RBIs.
In 143 games last year, he hit .282 and drove in 82 runs — his highest RBI total since driving in 94 with the Red Sox in 2004.
The Yankees are now setting their sights on free agents Xavier Nady, Rocco Baldelli, Jerry Hairston and Marcus Thames to take over in left.
