Jan 15, 2012 - With the mega-trade of promising young catcher/designated hitter Jesus Montero to the Seattle Mariners for potential pitching star Michael Pineda the Yankees potentially have an opening on their roster for a designated hitter, especially one who hits left-handed to team with righty swinging Andruw Jones.
That means the door could be open for a return to the Bronx of the nomadic Johnny Damon. The 38-year-old hit .261 with 16 home runs and 73 RBI for Tampa Bay last season, and is again a free agent. Doesn't Damon seem to be a free agent every off-season, incidentally?
SB Nation's Pinstripe Alley ran down the list of candidates beyond Damon if the Yankees decide to add a bat. PA's list includes Carlos Pena, Vladimir Guerrero, J.D. Drew and Hideki Matsui.
Yankees fans might perk up at the mention of Matsui. A return of the popular Japanese slugger does not seem likely, though. He will be 38 next season, has bad knees and hit a career-worst .251 in 2011 with just 12 home runs, 72 RBI and a .375 slugging percentage. There doesn't seem to be much left in Matsui's tank.
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