Starting pitching remains the Yankees’ top priority, but they aren’t completely ignoring the lineup.
Johnny Damon told The Post last night he has spoken to the Yankees about a possible return to The Bronx.
“We have talked, and that’s about the extent of it,” Damon said. “We know they are interested. I talked to [GM Brian Cashman] Tuesday. I don’t think anything will happen until after the New Year.”
Damon, who played for the Tigers last season, said he also is talking to two other clubs, but that Boston is not one of them.
As for the Yankees, Damon wants to know what they have in mind for him playing-wise.
“I am trying to figure out what role they want me for now that [Jorge] Posada is the DH,” Damon said. “It is a matter of at-bats. I want to find the team with the most at-bats.”
Unless the Yankees move Curtis Granderson or Nick Swisher, there likely won’t be enough at-bats to satisfy the 37-year old Damon.
For Detroit last season, he batted .271 with eight homers and 51 RBIs in 145 games after spending four years in The Bronx and playing a key role in the Yankees winning the 2009 World Series.
The Yankees continue to monitor second-level, free-agent pitchers. They have checked on Freddy Garcia’s medical reports and, according to a report, are interested in former Colorado lefty Jeff Francis.
CC Sabathia said he has dropped 15 pounds from his listed weight of 290 and is looking to shed 15 more as he continues to mend from October right knee surgery.
“Hopefully, it will take some pressure off my knee and extend my career,” he said.
As for his friend Cliff Lee landing in Philadelphia instead of The Bronx, Sabathia was philosophical.
“As part of the Yankee family and organization, I’m disappointed,” he said. “As a family friend, I’m happy he’s in the place he wanted to be.
“You have to do what makes you happy and what’s best for your family. It’s a long time. Five years is a long time; seven years is a long time,” said Sabathia, who will enter the third of a seven-year deal.
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Tampa Bay announced yesterday it has hired former Yankees pitching coach Dave Eiland as a special assistant. After three years working for the Yankees, Eiland was let go after this past season.