Could the Yankees lose Nomar Garciaparra and Johnny Damon to the Dodgers?
Yesterday, Garciaparra took giant steps toward becoming a Dodger, while Damon’s search for a new home didn’t sound like it would be L.A. anytime soon. In fact, the Dodgers were moving ahead last night in an effort to sign Kenny Lofton as the center fielder.
According to industry sources, Garciaparra was “leaning toward” signing a one-year deal worth $6 million in base salary with incentives that could push it past the $8.25 million he made last year with the Cubs.
There was one potential snag, described as a possible deal-killer, remaining before the 32-year-old former Red Sox shortstop became a Dodger first baseman. However, it was believed the sides could work through the problem and make Garciaparra a Dodger.
Garciaparra, whom the Yankees wanted as a first baseman and DH, met with Dodger brass Thursday night. Since he has a house in Manhattan Beach, L.A. was his first choice.
Yesterday the Yankees believed Garciaparra was leaning toward the Dodgers. One of the reasons he shied away from New York was he didn’t want to deal with the New York media.
“His preference is to avoid it,” a Yankee insider said of Garciaparra dealing with the New York media.
“Nomar continues to talk with players, friends and family members,” agent Arn Tellem said in a statement yesterday. “He is weighing his options carefully, and while he has no plans on making a decision today, he intends to do so in the near future.”
GM Brian Cashman said he was too busy with the Ron Villone trade yesterday to speak with free agents.
As for Damon, the Yankees are waiting for agent Scott Boras to tell them Damon is interested in discussing a four-year deal. Until they hear that, the Yankees are interested but not active participants in the race for the 32-year-old center fielder and leadoff hitter.
Damon to the Dodgers was a hot topic this week, but GM Ned Colletti soaked that with frigid water yesterday.
“That continues to be a long shot,” Colletti said of Damon being a Dodger. “Nothing has changed with Johnny Damon.”
That could mean Boras hasn’t come off his demand for a seven-year deal. Asked if the Dodgers had a meeting scheduled for Damon this weekend, Colletti said, “I don’t know what [Damon’s] plans are, but I am not planning on meeting with anybody.”
If the seven-year pact is still a priority, the Yankees aren’t biting, either.
One thing that could be in L.A.’s favor in getting Garciaparra and eventually Damon, if his price comes down, is the hiring of former Red Sox manager Grady Little and the signing of former Boston third baseman Bill Mueller.
Damon, who can expect to get $11 to $12 million a year, also has the Red Sox, Orioles and Angels interested. The Orioles view Damon as a huge upgrade over Luis Matos and the Angels are shopping center fielder Steve Finley.
If Damon doesn’t land in The Bronx, the Yankees will assess what’s left for them in center field, where Bubba Crosby would start if the season opened today. It’s hard to imagine George Steinbrenner, who was on a conference call with The Bronx brass yesterday, beginning a season with the untested Crosby between Hideki Matsui and Gary Sheffield.
Finley is a one-year option and has told friends he would like to play for the Yankees. So, too, is Philadelphia’s Jason Michaels. However, the Phillies have repeatedly asked for the untouchable Chien-Ming Wang for Michaels, who has never played regularly. They may settle for Tanyon Sturtze and Sean Henn for Michaels. Or sensing the Yankees are desperate for a center fielder, the Phillies may insist on Wang or look elsewhere for pitching help.