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February 05, 2008
Pearls Of Wisdom From Johnny Damon
Via TC Palm -
The team hasn’t won a World Series since 2000, hasn’t played in one since 2003 and hasn’t gotten past the first round of the American League playoffs since 2004.
Clearly, the New York Yankees, who won four championships from 1996 to 2000 with Torre managing a stable of thoroughbreds bred and bought with Steinbrenner’s millions, are a team in transition.
But Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon doesn’t see it that way...
“I see it as we’re giving some young pitchers an opportunity, some pitchers the league doesn’t know too much about,” Damon was saying last weekend, when he visited the Treasure Coast to participate in the M.E.’s Team two-day fundraiser organized by Martin County native and former Yankees teammate Scott Proctor.
“Obviously, we’re not going to go out and change our offense and defense, because we still believe we are the best all-around team, as far as that’s concerned. First base could be an issue, because we have about four or five different guys playing there. But, all around, I think we’re very solid.
“And,” he added, “I think these young pitchers could bring in a different attitude for us.”
“We were 14 games down at one time, and I still thought we were good enough to win last year,” Damon said. “We knew when we left camp that we didn’t leave with our best team. Once guys got healthy and in better shape, the season turned around."
We knew when we left camp that we didn’t leave with our best team. Once guys got healthy and in better shape, the season turned around.
Damon batted .245/.339/.344 (BA/OBP/SLG) in the first half last season - and .296/.364/.450 in the second half. So, he should know. Between his calves and his ribs, he was damaged goods to start the season.
Hopefully, this season, Damon reports to camp, in shape, and comes flying out of the blocks for the Yanks.
There's a big difference between "plastic forks and paper napkins" and "fine silverware and linen serviettes" when it comes to setting the table.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at February 5, 2008 10:35 PM
Comments
Reportedly, Damon is 12 pounds over the limit the Yankees set for him, and doesn't intend on losing it. With a new skipper at the helm, he could be on the bench or at the bottom of the order pretty quickly.
Posted by: Andrew ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.waswatching.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at February 5, 2008 11:04 PM
If Damon can be traded for reasonably fair value, they should seriously consider doing it.
Posted by: Rich at February 6, 2008 12:12 AM
Color me dense but is there a point you're trying to make with this entry or are you only reporting his comments? It seems to me everything he's quoted as saying is accurate.
Posted by: Basura at February 6, 2008 06:10 AM
~~is there a point you're trying to make with this entry ~~
That Damon says lack of health was the team's downfall in the 1st half of last year - and that he should have pointed out that he was a big part of that issue.
Posted by: Steve Lombardi at February 6, 2008 06:43 AM
Reportedly, Damon is 12 pounds over the limit the Yankees set for him, and doesn't intend on losing it. With a new skipper at the helm, he could be on the bench or at the bottom of the order pretty quickly.
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All that depends on how well he plays. He plays well, the weight will be a nonissue.
Anyway, you'd think a 13 year veteran would know better?
Posted by: Raf at February 6, 2008 10:42 AM