Curtis Granderson isn’t sure who is going to be playing next to him in the Yankee outfield next year, but he knows who he’d like it to be.
Johnny Damon.
“He had a great season last year,” Granderson said of Damon, who remains without a contract after his four-year deal with the Yanks expired after their World Series win.
“His power numbers were great and his defense has been good. He’s a veteran guy who can play left and center, and at the top of the lineup he can steal bases. He’ll definitely be an important piece to whatever team he ends up on, and I hope he remains here in New York.”
It seems clear Damon expects the same $13 million salary he got last year in order to stay in pinstripes. While Granderson would like him to stay, he doesn’t expect it to have an impact on the way he plays.
“Not at all,” said Granderson, who was at the Garden last night for the Rangers-Islanders game and will be introduced at a press conference today.
“I’ve played with all kinds of guys. I’ve had speedsters out there, I’ve had power guys, young guys and veteran guys. I’m ready to adjust to anything.”
Granderson arrived in a trade earlier this month from Detroit, where he suffered a down year in 2009, finishing with a .249 average. And while he hasn’t been a Yankee for long, he’s already looking forward to opening the season against the Red Sox.
“I know about the rivalry and am looking forward to playing in it,” Granderson said. “I’m sure it will be different from inside.”