The acquisition of Damon can be evaluated on many levels. How about this. In 2006, the Yankees will pay Damon $12M to play centerfield. Last year they paid Kevin Brown $15.5M to take up space. They are a better team already.

FYI, I passed Yankee Stadium on Christmas day and the sign on the Stadium read, “Welcome Johnny Damon.� An old time Yankees announcer would have said, “How about that.�

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all.