Yankees sign Randy Winn; Johnny Damon apparently out

[Auggie]

ESPN.com news services / 01-28-10

The New York Yankees have agreed to terms with free-agent outfielder Randy Winn on a one-year contract, pending a physical, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney. The contract is worth in the neighborhood of $2 million.

The deal, in all likelihood, ends any chance that Johnny Damon will return to the Yankees. The Yankees now seem set with their outfield for the 2010 season.

Despite repeatedly referring to budget constraints, the Yankees' projected payroll for 18 players with agreements likely to make the opening day roster is at $205 million following the deal with Winn.

The 35-year-old Winn hit .262 in 149 games last season for San Francisco. He was an All-Star in 2002, when he batted .298 with 14 home runs and 75 RBIs for the Tampa Bay Rays. Winn could put an end to a novel and unwanted distinction now that he's signed with the Yankees: According to Baseball-reference.com, he has played 1,601 career games without a postseason appearance. That's the longest drought by an active major league player. Free agent Mike Sweeney is second to Winn with 1,398 regular-season games and no postseason appearance. Michael Young is third with 1,351.

MORE: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4863701

Scott Boras and Damon reportedly declined the Yankees offer of $14 over two years! Greedy idiots.

Well, this should make Red Sox fans happier.

[JonLP24]

1. On ESPN yesterday

it was said the A's are interested in him. As far as him rejected the contract I'm fine with that, if he thinks he can get more money elsewhere more power to him! It's the owners that make all the money.

[Auggie]

2. Indeed -- more power to him.

Though he's leaving the World Series Champs too.

I can't imagine the A's coming up with much for him, unless Billy Beane signs him specifically to trade him in July for prospects -- a typical move of the A's.

[JonLP24]

3. I think that

what they were saying is that A's had some money to spend and were interesting in making some moves. Damon was frequently mentioned.

[SidDithers]

13. Jays are showing interest too...

if they can sign him for a 1 year deal. Since the Yanks didn't offer arbitration, Damon wouldn't cost a draft pick to sign.

Sid

Edit: wonder if Boras will hold a grudge after Jays President Paul Beeston outed him as the agent in the James Paxton mess.

[joeybee12]

4. Always gotta slam America's Team, dontcha?

As much as I dislike the repuke traitor, they should have kept him...he really did well in the palyoffs.

[Auggie]

5. What slam?

:shrug:

It makes the Yankees weaker in the line-up, IMO. Randy Winn? C'mon...

[joeybee12]

6. I sensed the sarcasm!

Besides, you SHOULD have said, this should make red Sox fans---who DESERVE TO BE HAPPY--happier! ;-)

[DaveinMD]

8. Damon

was already replaced with Granderson. Winn was signed for depth. Gardner will start instead of the departed Melky Cabrera.

[Yavin4]

14. Damon Cannot Play The OF

And he's asking for way too much money to be primarily a DH.

This does show how the post-steroids era has changed the thinking about older, defensive-deficient players. Teams are putting much more emphasis on playing defense than hitting HRs.

[DaveinMD]

16. agreed

the Yankees surely got younger and more athletic. They are also saving money for next year's free agent crop.

[Yavin4]

18. Also, When It Came To Matsui and Damon

in their last contracts, they were signed to play LF and CF respectively. By the 2nd year of their deals, neither was an effective OF. They were both really DHs. Thus, the Yankees overpaid for them. So, Cashman took a hard line with them regarding a new deal, and I think that he was correct.

Also, this is why Jeter really picked up his defensive game last year.

[hughee99]

7. I have nothing personal against Damon...

He went for the money. I would have liked it if he stayed, but I understand why he went. I wish it hadn't been the Yankees, but I don't remember him shooting his way out of town either.

It looks like Boras may have F'd over yet another client. Other than A-Rod, I don't think anyone has come out ahead listening to Boras in the last few years. Varitek could have made $10 million on his option for '09. He opted out on Boras's advice, and I don't believe will make that much for the '09 and '10 seasons COMBINED.

[DaveinMD]

9. Teixeira

did quite well last year. Matt Holliday did pretty darn well this year. Unless you are one of the top guys, Boras isn't the agent to have right now though.

[hughee99]

11. You're right about that.

His top tier guys have done well. It's the 2nd and 3rd teir guys who held out for more money and got screwed.

[nyy1998]

15. Agreed, exceept he did hose you guys on Matsuzaka(speaking of 2nd tier pitchers)

And he still does pretty well in the draft. Look at what he got with Strasburg(and probably get with Bryce Harper this next draft).

[Forkboy]

12. As a baseball fan it's hard not to like Damon.

As a Red Sox fan it's easy. :)

[LisaM]

10. Does that mean Johnny D can grow his hair long again!

Hoo-ray.

[Onceuponalife]

19. Yeah, he can go back to his Charles Manson look

or Jesus...whatever. They look the same to me.

:hide:

[Iggo]

17. The Yanks only offered him 14 bucks?

That's just messed up, man.