NEW YORK -- Mike Myers gushed about Johnny Damon, sounding
like the center fielder's campaign manager.
Myers was Damon's teammate in Boston for nearly 1½ seasons
before agreeing to a $2.4 million, two-year contract with the
Yankees, a deal that was finalized Thursday. The lefty reliever
wants the speedy leadoff hitter to follow him to New York.
"I've talked to him and he does have a strong interest in
playing there," Myers said. "So hopefully contract-wise
everything will get worked out, and me and him can be teammates for
the next couple of years again."
Damon's agent, Scott Boras, has been seeking a seven-year
contract for Damon averaging about $12 million. The Yankees thus
far have given no indication they would offer more than their
recent deal to keep Hideki Matsui, a $52 million, four-year
contract.
Myers thought about the prospect of Damon hitting leadoff for
the Yankees with Derek Jeter batting second. Gary Sheffield, Alex
Rodriguez, Jason Giambi, Matsui and Jorge Posada would follow in
some order.
"I would put the over/under on Damon scoring 125, and I'd take
the over any day of the week," Myers said. "I think the fans
would absolutely love him there, just his hustle and his passion
for the game, the way he goes about his business. I think he'd fit
in great in the clubhouse, even though I don't know what the
clubhouse is."
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, following Myers on a
conference call with reporters, remained coy about his interest in
Damon.
"I'm glad that Mike has got an opinion and is expressing it
because it gives you guys a lot more to run with than I've been
providing," Cashman said.
New York also is one of four teams competing for Nomar
Garciaparra, who would see time at first base and designated
hitter, and also would back up the other infield spots and in the
outfield. Cleveland, Houston and the Los Angeles Dodgers also are
interested.
"Nomar is very pleased to have several attractive options for
next season," said agent Arn Tellem, who has confirmed only the
Yankees' interest. "He is weighing all of them carefully and hopes
to make the best decision for him and his family in the very near
future."
While not discussing Garciaparra, Cashman described a role he
could fill.
"I am not actively looking for a DH," he said. "To be honest,
I'm trying to be more flexible and looking for people that can give
our manager and our team some flexibility."
New York remains interested in re-signing longtime center
fielder Bernie Williams, who would have only limited playing time
unless other players get hurt.
"I still believe Bernie can provide quality at-bats and
championship-caliber play, especially in this role," Cashman said.
The 36-year-old Myers was 3-1 with a 3.13 ERA in 65 games last
season as Boston's left-handed specialist. He will get $1.15
million in the first year and $1.25 million in the second under a
deal agreed to last week at baseball's winter meetings.
"God didn't give me the ability to blow the ball by anybody, so
I really have to use Jedi mind tricks in order to try and get guys
out," he said. "The Yankees have gone through a lot of
left-handers the last couple years and hopefully I can solidify
that role."
He knows he's likely to face Boston slugger David Ortiz in key
situations.
"You definitely have to work both sides of the plate," Myers
said. "You have to use up and down, you have to keep him
guessing."