Johnny Damon and Vladimir Guerrero are notorious for signing late. Damon was twice picked up less than a month before Spring Training, inking one-year pacts with the Tigers in 2010 and Rays in 2011. Guerrero signed with the Rangers on January 9 of ’10 and the Orioles last February 18.
Here we are in February, and Damon and Guerrero remain free agents. The reason, tweeted Jayson Stark, is money with both players looking for deals around $5 million. The Yankees are looking for a DH, but on their terms, especially with players – like Hideki Matsui – essentially limited to DH roles at this stage of their respective careers. Raul Ibanez is also still out there and has been linked to the Bronx. He appeared in 134 games in left field last season and fits the Damon-Matsui mold as a character guy.
Another name still out there, and gaining momentum around the Yankees, is Eric Chavez returning as a backup fielder and a DH option. Chavez wouldn’t be the primary DH, but probably part of a revolving door if the Yanks don’t add any payroll before camp or make a deal for a bat by the start of the season.
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