NICK JOHNSON!
by Mike GApparently the Yankees don’t think that Boras is going to budge on Damon’s price. If Nick can stay healthy, I think this is a good move. The guy is an OBP machine. Being a DH should limit his exposure to injury. He’ll keep some offense in the lineup when giving Tex a rest. They can most likely sign him to an incentive-based deal.
3 comments December 17 2009 9:55 am | Mike G | Discussion |
He’s an interesting offensive addition, and would fit nicely into the 2 hole in the lineup. But he offers little flexibility for the roster. He will rarely, if ever, get a chance to play 1B and the Yankees have Swisher who can play 1B when Tex needs a blow. So he would, in essence, be a full-time DH.
If I’m Nick Johnson, I look for a team were I can sign an incentive based deal and play first base. Why, at age 31, would you want to put yourself into the DH box and limit your future ability to earn income. If I’m Nick, I’m looking for a team that values OBP and needs a first baseman, perhaps a team like…..BOSTON.
Epstein probably makes this move (unless he’s worried about injury history). He’s cheap, he has a high OBP, and will allow Youk to move to 3rd.
Wow, how quickly I forgot about the other Nick playing first. I agree that it doesn’t make much sense for Johnson (unless he loves New York), but I think it makes sense for the Yankees.
It’s would be a good move for the Yankees; especially with his power from the left side of the plate in the new stadium. He would see a ton of pitches if he hit in front of Teixeira.
I would think Johnson would much rather have a shot at a World Series ring in pinstripes than worry about playing the field. Especially given his injury history and given he’s played for so many losing teams.
Plain and simple….he’s a DH.