New York Yankees notes: Johnson, left field ... what else is new?

by Ed Valentine on Dec 24, 2009 10:00 AM EST in New York Yankees News

Here are just handful of notes about our New York Yankees on the day before Christmas -- a day, of course, when baseball is not exactly the thing foremost in the minds of most people.

The Yankees made the Nick Johnson signing official Wednesday. Johnson, as you might expect, says he is thrilled to be back in pinstripes.

"When I heard there was some interest, I told my agent that would be my No. 1 choice," Johnson said. "There's nothing like playing in New York."

Brett Gardner and Jamie Hoffman in left field? Yes, the Yankees can probably live with that. We know, though, that GM Brian Cashman might bring in other options. Johnny Damon is, of course, out there. He does not expect to be a Yankee, though.

"I know I don't fit their payroll," Damon said. "We've had a little bit of communication with them, but my price is too high right now. I don't think I'm their solution."

River Avenue Blues thinks the Yankees should give Xavier Nady, who missed most of last season after elbow surgery, a chance in Spring Training.

Given the team’s current composition, and given the budget constraints the team faces, it appears a second-tier option will fit best. We’ve heard a few of those names bandied about lately: Mark DeRosa, Marlon Byrd, Xavier Nady. Each has his ups and downs, but when considering the Yankees’ situation, Nady fits the best. He’s a gamble, of course, but at this point his demands shouldn’t exceed what the Yankees are willing to spend. Taking a flier on his health could reap big rewards for the Yankees’ outfield.

Personally, I agree. Nady can hit, and my guess is he might even take a minor-league contract just to get the opportunity. Why wouldn't you give him a chance?

Tweet Comment 14 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I could live with giving Nady a shot

Damon is still my first choice, but if they can’t reach a reasonable price, then I’m good with giving X Nady a shot. He’s still pretty young. He can hit. He kills left handed pitching. He’s got a great arm. And he’s probably a better option than both Gardner and Hoffman. And for little money? I agree. I’d give him that chance if they can’t reach an agreement with Johnny Damon.

by nyyrocks29 on Dec 24, 2009 11:51 AM EST reply actions

I'd go with

Reed Johnson.

by Brandon C. on Dec 24, 2009 12:05 PM EST reply actions

nope screw it

Let Cervelli play the whole outfield im sick of this.

Anyone who mentions salary caps as an answer is unemployed. Say Hello to my little friend,Al Pacino-Scarface

by cashman bashman on Dec 24, 2009 12:21 PM EST reply actions

I really liked Nady

When he was healthy 2 seasons ago and the beginning of this season…..

Give him another shot!

by JDude on Dec 24, 2009 12:27 PM EST reply actions

Nady vs Damon

In addition to being cheaper Nady (if healthy) is better in the field. While not quite the hitter that Damon is, did hit .305 with 25 HRs in 2008. He would also be a nice RH balance to a team that, with Grand Central and Nick Johnson and losing a switch-hitter in Melke, may be vulnerable against lefties.

Although it’s truly crazy how many switch-hitters the Yankees have. Tex, Posada and Swish make it tough to play matchup against the Yanks.

by d_c_guy on Dec 24, 2009 12:51 PM EST reply actions

I remember i mentioned this a couple days ago on a seperate topic..

If we give nady a shot…and he comes through….wow..there goes the only hole in our defense ….

Very good hitter….good power….good defense…just hurt…

But when I mentioned it I was told I was ‘overrating nady’…

Maybe your post would make more of us ponder on it….Big rrisk big reward thing for sure….worst come to worst…just put gardner in…I mean he WAS a starter at one point….

-Announcemen Forwarded To The Following: Boston Blowsox, New York Pets, Philadelphia Phonies, And Any Other Team Who Ain't The With The Empire.................

Getcha' Fuccin Rings Up........

by NYYWinsRings27 on Dec 24, 2009 2:48 PM EST via mobile reply actions

i’d love nady back – and we can probably get a good deal on him since his elbow is a question mark

by Lrccolt4 on Dec 24, 2009 3:34 PM EST reply actions

i say sign Nady

cheap. great upside

by holycowboy on Dec 24, 2009 4:03 PM EST reply actions

Just gotta hope

his arm doesn’t blow again. This wasn’t the first time for that elbow. Otherwise, yeah, I agree. If healthy, he’d be HUGE.

by david d on Dec 24, 2009 4:26 PM EST up reply actions

Said this already, but Reed Johnson is basically a righty Gardner w. no speed.

Nady at least gives us the potential for a righty power bat or power off the bench. And if he only costs a minor league contract to reestablish his value, more power to us.

by PortlandYankee on Dec 24, 2009 9:19 PM EST reply actions

YANKEES LEFT FIELD DILEMNA

NADY HAS HAD A YEAR TO REHAB AND WE KNOW HOW HARD HE WORKS, SO WHY NOT GIVE HIM AN INVITE TO SPRING TRAINING AND SEE. IF HE LOOKS GOOD—SIGN HIM—WON’T COST MUST BECAUSE HE’S A GAMBLE AND HIS AGENT KNOWS IT.
CASHMAN DIDN’T GET THE TEAM BY BEING DUMB—HE’LL SEE WHAT NADY CAN DO AND SIGN HIM IF HE’S READY.

by spook6 on Dec 24, 2009 9:22 PM EST reply actions

why shout?

by yankeechaser on Dec 25, 2009 8:31 PM EST up reply actions

The Yankees should pass on Xavier Nady

I like the X-man Xavier Nady but that was when he was not injured. Having a Tommy John surgery for the second time is not that assuring.

Therefore the Yankees should pass on him on move on to the next. There are still a lot of available outfielders/utility man out there.

by icebert_04 on Dec 25, 2009 4:33 AM EST reply actions

Hold on

Do the yanks really have a whole in the outfield? Wasnt Brett one of the best fielders (statistically) last year? It seems that in the outfield there was an upgrade.

Isnt brett one of the faster guys around?

If your saying that in a line up that has 5 returning players and 1 new player that had over 20 homer runs, needs one more then ok. I would say we wouldnt. At least not to start the season. I say that let bret se if he can match the 270 average he had last year in the 9 hole and see if he can get to third on Jeters 320 average hitting and home on Johnsons 400 OBP or Tex’s 130+ RBI or A-Rods 100+ RBI.

Save the money for next years luxery tax or if necessary trade for a bat later in the season when a bunch of teams are looking to offload talent.

by jdbick on Dec 25, 2009 4:24 PM EST reply actions