Zell's Pinstripe Blog

The champagne is barely cleaned from the carpets in the Yankees clubhouse and the confetti is not even cleaned from the Canyon of Heroes, yet some important decisions need to be made about the Yankees’ three free agents. I am of course referring to Matsui, Damon and Pettitte. I am not worried about Pettitte, he will receive a well received pay bump and be back next year after thinking over the decision in Texas for a little while. What most analyst’s seem to be torn over is whether or not to decide between Matsui or Damon. I will lay out the pros and cons to each side and then give my personal opinion afterwords. Ready? Lets go!

Johnny Damon

Pros – He has a tailor made swing for the new Yankee stadium and obviously it was proven in 2009 as he swatted the majority of his home runs in New York. His speed obviously gives him an advantage over Matsui, as well as his ability to play the field. Also, remember how he stole two bases on one play? He also provides a unique dynamic at the top of the lineup with Derek.

Cons – While he has speed, it isn’t the same as it used to be, but don’t get me wrong, he’s still fast. His age cannot be denied as he turned 36 on November 5th. While he may be able to play the field, I have a better throwing arm than him.

Hideki Matsui

Pros – He is a proven commodity in the playoffs (See: World Series MVP) and is as professional hitter there is. He has the ability to hit with power and hit with average. While his swing also works well in Yankee Stadium, he has enough power to hit it out of most National Parks. Plus, this is the only place it appears he wants to play. Matsui is a better overall hitter than Damon. Another plus for the Yankees to bring Matsui back is all the revenue the receive from overseas exposure with Matsui (See: Japan). He is one year younger than Damon (35)

Cons – He can’t play the field and if he could, would likely be lifted in the late innings for defensive reasons. In the same vein, would be lifted for pinch runners in late inning situations which burns a bench spot. He also would take up the DH spot which would take time away from Posada/A-Rod getting some DH time in.

Judgement

While you can’t go wrong with either one of these players, I believe the Yankees should bring back Hideki Matsui on a 1 to 2 year deal. With Austin Jackson waiting in the wings in AAA, it is only a matter of time until he gets called up. I can see the Yankees using Gardner in the OF with Cabrera in LF. I guess, I am partial to Matsui as I believe he is more of a ‘true’ Yankee than Damon. Though like I said earlier, you can’t go wrong with either choice. While I want them to retain Matsui, I can envision a return of only Damon for the pure fact that he can play the field which will allow Posada to DH occasionally and have Cervelli or Montero (later on) being groomed to pick up more catching duties. There you have it, what do you guys think? Did I miss something or am I way off my rocker? If so, sound off and tell me why!