Zell's Pinstripe Blog

Update 17 December @ 12:06pm:

It appears as if the sides might be talking about a one year deal, but Johnson in the past has indicated he would prefer a 2 year deal. However, a return to the Yankees could change that train of thought. Johnson’s agent had this to say:

“We have had dialogue, things are moving forward.  Something could happen to speed things up, but it’s hard to predict.”

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In a move that could end the career in pinstripes for Johnny Damon, the Yankees appear to be talking to Nick Johnson about filling their ever vacant DH role.

If Nick Johnson comes back and fills that slot, he will be able to spell Mark Teixeira at first base on occasions if need be. Also, Nick doesn’t strike out nearly as other Yankees (See: Nick Swisher, Curtis Granderson) and is known as an on base machine.

Nick is a career .273 hitter with an On Base Percentage of .405 and bats .292 in his career against left handers and .266 against right handers, so no platoon is necessary.

If you remember far enough back, Nick Johnson a third round pick that was eventually part of the deal that brought Javy Vasquez to the Bronx in December 2003.

Me? I believe as long as Nick is healthy, signing him to an incentive based deal would benefit both parties involved. His left handed swing would be welcome in the friendly confines of new Yankees stadium. I hope to see him wearing pinstripes soon.