GM meetings reporters claims Brian Cashman wouldn’t look to sign major contracts with any big time FA (BAY, HOLLIDAY, HALLADAY), but would keep his ear to the ground in case they see an opportunity. In the case for Halladay, I believe the Yankees wouldn’t have had a problem with letting go of prospects Montero or Jackson; but, to add Joba AND/OR Hughes to the mix of that sort of deal, was ‘down right’ way too much. Added, Halladay would have cost the Yankees a great deal of money which Cashman chose to save.

Fans have been more or less upset when Matsui was signed by Anaheim, as it gets no easier with fans now seeing Johnny Damon hit the pavement. The report from Fox Sorts’ Ken Rosenthal was that either Damon or Matsui would remain in a Yankee uniform for 2010. There is clearly no good chance Johnny could return now with the signing of Nick Johnson. Nick Johnson passed the physical and signed a one year deal worth $$5.5M on December 17th – needs citation. Yankees haven’t asked Nick yet, but will eventually tell him to be the number 2 hitter for 2010 in place of Johnny Damon’ role in the batting order. He would be the Yankees primary DH for the upcoming season. Yankees will most likely put Granderson in fifth, sixth, or seventh in the lineup.

Yankees loved how Nick Johnson’s one year contract has a lot less risk for injury than if they were to re-sign Hideki Matsui who was a career .291 hitter with his time in New York. If the Yankees plan to give Teixiera a day off or two, Nick Johnson could also fill that void at first base while Tex could DH. Nick Johnson spent 2009  playing 133 games with Washington and Florida. He is duely noted for his .426 OBP (MLB 3rd best in 2009 – needs citation).

Curtis Granderson also made a ‘GRAND ENTRANCE’ this past week at the stadium. Yankees gave Curtis a contract to pay him through 2012 with an option for 2013.

To sum up, Cashman believes this is the lineup that could be the ‘X-factor’ in repeating as world champions. Not resigning because of his health, Matsui departs to Anaheim. Johnny Damon is now FA looking to sign a contract that pays around $$13M annually (what the Yankees have no interest in doing). Yankees are still seeking pitching to help boost the rotation. I posted a blog where Ben Sheets would be my pick regardless of not pitching a game in 2009 because of injusy. Rumors around the league say Cashman is interested in both Sheets and FA Justin Duchsherer.

Could we see Johnny Damon picked up by a team like Atlanta?

Atlanta just resigned Matt Diaz for 1yr worth $$2.55M avoiding arbitration. RF Ryan Church (traded from NYM for for Jeff Francoeur) was designated for assignment.  

On a side note, some clubs showed interest in both Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner this offseason.

Let me know what you fans think.

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