Johnny Damon Placed on Waivers: Would New York Yankees Claim Him?
August 23, 2010 · Steve Henn · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Johnny Damon was placed on waivers on Thursday, according to MLBTradeRumors.
Today would be the last day that a team could claim him, which presents an interesting situation.
Would the Yankees think of bringing back their former World Series hero?
Even with the fiasco between the Yankees and Damon this past offseason, this move would make tremendous sense for the Yankees.
Damon has been quoted as saying that he would like to remain with the Tigers, but given the opportunity to go to a winning team and back to a city where he was a fan favorite may appeal to both Damon and the Yankees.
— See the top 10 bidding wars between the Yankees and the Red Sox
Also, a return to the Bronx would mean a return to Yankee Stadium, a place where Damon has hit 17 home runs and driven in 42 runs combined this season and last season.
A return would make sense. With the recent injury to Lance Berkman, Damon would slide right back into the designated hitter role, which would pay dividends for him physically. When Berkman returns, it would provide the Yankees with unsurpassed depth off the bench down the stretch into September, giving Joe Girardi more options.
Even though money with the Yankees is never an issue, the team would only have to pick up $1.88 million of the $8 million that Damon is owed this season, also according to the same article.
Stay tuned, as time will tell today whether Johnny Damon does indeed leave Detroit. Any team making a playoff push would undoubtedly be interested in a player like Damon, who brings strong veteran experience and leadership that would prove valuable down the stretch.
Steve Henn is the author of Rhode Island Baseball Beat
Follow Steve Henn on Twitter @steve_henn
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