The AP is reporting that Nick Johnson, most recently of the Florida Marlins, has signed a one-year, $5.5 million deal with the New York Yankees. A physical is still pending, though, and as we noted earlier, Johnson doesn’t have a great history with physicals.
If this deal is officially completed, Johnny Damon’s career in pinstripes is in serious jeopardy.
While he was popular with teammates and fans, the Yankees were concerned about his age (36). The sides also were far apart on money. Damon at first was seeking a three-year deal worth at least $39 million, while New York was prepared to go no higher than $18 million to $20 million over two seasons.
Be sure to check back with our Yankees blog, Pinstripe Alley, for more thoughts on Johnson’s acquisition and Damon’s possible exit.