We’re very familiar with the breakdown in negotiations between Johnny Damon and the Yankees. We know what the Yanks were willing to pay and how Damon and Scott Boras have seemingly overvalued the left fielder. Today, at The Hardball Times, Chuck Brownson summarizes the Damon situation and walks away with a conclusion that Damon’s fielding averages out to average over the last three years and he can still hit. “Damon’s value, therefore,” writes Brownson, “should have him worth somewhere in the neighborhood of $10 to $12 million per year for two years. Even at the discounted market rate this offseason, he’s easily worth $16 million over two years and yet, there’s seemingly very little interest in his services.
The problem though is one of decline. Damon’s defense has seen a decline over the last three years, and he is at an age when one year can be the difference between a 4.5-5 win player and a disaster in left field. He’s 36 now and playing in an era when teams are loath to dole out big money to older outfielders. Eventually, he’ll sign somewhere — perhaps with the Yanks — for few dollars, but it’s not a surprise that no team has come close to meeting his demands.