Johnny Damon has embraced the belief that his future as a Yankee is tied to how well he and the club perform in the postseason.
“I have been around long enough to understand the business,” Damon says. “For me to be back next year, it’s going to take a pretty good postseason. I am OK with that. I have enjoyed everything about playing here in New York.”
NO PLAYOFF BLUSTER FROM THE BOSS
Damon, 36 on Nov. 5, is in the final season of a four-year deal worth $52 million and is coming off a solid year in which he batted .280 with 24 homers, drove in 80 and scored 106 runs (one behind club leader Derek Jeter).
Questions concerning next year to Yankee decision makers are met with, “We are concerned about this year now.”
Soon, however, a decision will have to be made on Damon. Do they offer him a one-year deal? And for what dollars? If they do, does he accept it? Or do the Yankees let Damon go and use part of the money to lure Jason Bay from Boston to The Bronx? Or take a look at top prospect Austin Jackson in left?
“I haven’t heard a thing,” Damon said. “Hopefully, we will win the World Series and then we will see. I can’t worry about my situation here. My job is to win a World Series here. We have made the playoffs three of four years I have been here and haven’t done anything (two first-round outs). This could be the last chance.”
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Hideki Matsui is in a similar situation as Damon. His four-year deal for $52 million runs out after this season. Unlike Damon, Matsui didn’t play in the field this season because the Yankees didn’t want to risk him blowing out two surgically repaired knees. A strong second half enabled Matsui to finish with 28 homers and 90 RBIs in 142 games.
Being viewed strictly as a designated hitter hurts Matsui’s chances of returning because the Yankees are going to look to get switch-hitter Jorge Posada more at-bats as the DH next season.
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Outside of naming CC Sabathia to pitch Game 1 tomorrow night, manager Joe Girardi has not announced the starters for Game 2 and 3. Girardi said the opponent will figure in the decision.
However, A.J. Burnett will be on regular four days’ rest Friday when Game 2 will be played. Andy Pettitte would be on five days Friday and seven days if he starts Game 3 Sunday on the road.
Burnett being better at home and Pettitte the more effective pitcher on the road likely gives Burnett the edge to start Game 2. Pettitte’s vast postseason experience (35 games to none) over Burnett makes him a better choice on the road.
Burnett is 5-3 with a 3.51 ERA in 16 games at Yankee Stadium; Pettitte is 6-4 with a 4.59 ERA in 16 starts.
Pettitte is 8-4 with a 3.71 ERA in 16 road games; Burnett is 8-6 with a 4.59 ERA in 17 starts away from The Bronx.
Burnett is 1-0 with a 2.77 ERA against the Twins this year in two games and 0-0 with a 4.50 ERA in one game versus the Tigers. Pettitte is 1-0 with a 5.40 ERA against the Twins and didn’t face the Tigers.
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Yankees will work out today at Yankee Stadium, and when they leave, the players will not know whom they are playing in Game 1 tomorrow.