What’s got into Johnny Damon? Wheaties? 'Roids? Rings? How 'bout the all mighty dollar?
About the only thing going right for the Yankees these days is “Johnny on the Spot.” The Bronx Bomber lineup has been far too inconsistent, but Damon keeps coming through, turn after turn. He rediscovered his home-run stroke last week and has been named the American League Player of the Week, presented by Bank of America for the period ending May 10.
Damon led the Major Leagues last week with five home runs and 15 RBIs in seven games, while hitting .419. His 1.032 slugging percentage, built on at least one extra-base hit in each of the seven games, was tops in the AL.
The weekly award was only the second of the 15-year veteran’s career. He had previously earned honors for the week ending Aug. 21, 2006, during his first season with the Yankees.
This could be Damon’s last go around with the Yankees. He’s in his walk year. Figures, whenever a guy is ready to be a free agent, he summons that little extra. I think the owners had it right 30 years ago when many players played for a contract on a year-to-year basis.
Free agent has, to a certain extent, really affected the game in so many ways. Some guys play better with job security and others tend to slack off once they get the big payday.
I would assume the Yankees would consider Damon for another small contract, but at the same time, the youth movement in New York may push the organization toward giving prized prospect Austin Jackson a chance to shine next season.
Damon was a huge part of Boston’s World Series run in 2004. I’ll never forget his grand slam off Javier Vazquez that sealed the deal in game seven of the ALCS. I never thought the former “idiot” would ever don pinstripes, but he’s played well for New York, albeit never as good as he was in Boston.
I happen to really like Johnny Damon. I’m just not sure if he’s durable enough in the outfield these days to contribute to a World Series winner in New York. He may have to contribute in a lesser role after this season if he wants to finish his career in the Big Apple. Whatever the story, Damon is focused right now and I truly believe he wants a deal and a ring so his days in New York aren’t considered a failure.
The Red Sox have won another title since his departure. If the Yankees can’t, Damon joins a list of free agents over the past nine seasons, including Jason Giambi and Mike Mussina, who haven’t been able to help the Bombers resume their championship ways. Check out this footage from the Yankee/Red Sox series last week. We caught up with Johnny D. after the Bombers’ opening loss to Boston last Monday night. I’ve included the entire morning show for your pleasure. Skip ahead to the end for my segment. http://bronxnet.fliggo.com/video/ScJO7gZe
About the only thing going right for the Yankees these days is “Johnny on the Spot.” The Bronx Bomber lineup has been far too inconsistent, but Damon keeps coming through, turn after turn. He rediscovered his home-run stroke last week and has been named the American League Player of the Week, presented by Bank of America for the period ending May 10.
Damon led the Major Leagues last week with five home runs and 15 RBIs in seven games, while hitting .419. His 1.032 slugging percentage, built on at least one extra-base hit in each of the seven games, was tops in the AL.
The weekly award was only the second of the 15-year veteran’s career. He had previously earned honors for the week ending Aug. 21, 2006, during his first season with the Yankees.
This could be Damon’s last go around with the Yankees. He’s in his walk year. Figures, whenever a guy is ready to be a free agent, he summons that little extra. I think the owners had it right 30 years ago when many players played for a contract on a year-to-year basis.
Free agent has, to a certain extent, really affected the game in so many ways. Some guys play better with job security and others tend to slack off once they get the big payday.
I would assume the Yankees would consider Damon for another small contract, but at the same time, the youth movement in New York may push the organization toward giving prized prospect Austin Jackson a chance to shine next season.
Damon was a huge part of Boston’s World Series run in 2004. I’ll never forget his grand slam off Javier Vazquez that sealed the deal in game seven of the ALCS. I never thought the former “idiot” would ever don pinstripes, but he’s played well for New York, albeit never as good as he was in Boston.
I happen to really like Johnny Damon. I’m just not sure if he’s durable enough in the outfield these days to contribute to a World Series winner in New York. He may have to contribute in a lesser role after this season if he wants to finish his career in the Big Apple. Whatever the story, Damon is focused right now and I truly believe he wants a deal and a ring so his days in New York aren’t considered a failure.
The Red Sox have won another title since his departure. If the Yankees can’t, Damon joins a list of free agents over the past nine seasons, including Jason Giambi and Mike Mussina, who haven’t been able to help the Bombers resume their championship ways. Check out this footage from the Yankee/Red Sox series last week. We caught up with Johnny D. after the Bombers’ opening loss to Boston last Monday night. I’ve included the entire morning show for your pleasure. Skip ahead to the end for my segment. http://bronxnet.fliggo.com/video/ScJO7gZe
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