The LoHud Yankees Blog

We can debate all day whether Curtis Granderson or Brett Gardner is the better defensive center fielder. Frankly, I think they’re both pretty good, but I know there are several who completely disagree. Bottom line is (I think) both can handle the position, but the Yankees have made no secret of their plans to start Granderson in center, leaving Gardner as the current left fielder.

My question is: If those roles were switched, would that change the way you feel about the current Yankees roster?

This isn’t to debate the defensive merits of the two outfielders. I’m just wondering if the speed were coming from a typically speed-based position and the power were coming from a typically power-based position, would the lineup seem better? It seems there is some debate about whether Gardner provides enough power to be a left fielder, but I don’t see that it matters. If he were to open as the Yankees left fielder, he would be batting in the same spot in the lineup as on opening day 2009. The fact he would be playing left instead of center only means the Yankees defense would have improved.

Obviously left field is the one glaring hole the Yankees have remaining, but how important is it that they fill it with anything close to a premium player? I’ve had several readers e-mail me pointing out that the Yankees got very little (relatively) from their left fielders during the dynasty championship years, so I decided to take a look at the numbers.

• In 1996, the Yankees left fielders hit a combined .265 with 25 HR, 98 RBI and a .789 OPS. Gerald Williams (42 starts), Tim Raines (47), Ruben Sierra (35) and Darryl Strawberry (25) were the primary players.

• In 1998, the Yankees left fielders hit a combined .263 with 15 HR, 74 RBI and a .760 OPS. Those numbers came primarily from Chad Curtis and Raines.

• In 1999, the Yankees left fielders hit a combined .234 with 19 HR, 63 RBI and a .710 OPS. That was mostly from the trio of Curtis, Rickey Ledee and Shane Spencer.

• And in 2000, the Yankees left fielders hit a combined .276 with 30 HR, 97 RBI and a .839 OPS, though it’s worth noting that much of that pop came from David Justice, who was a mid-season trade acquisition (Ledee and Spencer were the primary guys before that).

In other words, the Yankees have been here before. With an otherwise stacked lineup, the identity of the Opening Day left fielder may not be that important. We can – and will – debate about Brett Gardner or Reed Johnson or anyone else that may pop up, but in all likelihood that person won’t be what turns the Yankees season. The moves that matter most have probably already been made.

Still out there, lingering in free agency, Johnny Damon remains available. Question is, do you and the Yankees want him back? At what cost?

At this point, Damon’s not necessary for the No. 2 spot in the lineup. Maybe you would prefer Damon over Nick Johnson – better speed and power vs. higher on-base percentage — but the Yankees clearly don’t need a No. 2 hitter the way they did a month ago. Also at this point, Damon would be a defensive downgrade in left field. Maybe it’s worth it for the offensive improvement, but his outfield defense is worth taking into account.

That said, adding Damon (whatever it meant for the batting order itself) would make this Yankees lineup pretty impressive. That’s also worth taking into account.

Part of the trick with Damon is that his market might not be set just yet. When Matt Holliday finally signs, Damon will become the top free agent outfielder. He might become the top available position player depending on your expectations for Adrian Beltre and Miguel Tejada. There’s some power in that, and Damon might not have to lower his contract expectations enough to fit within the Yankees budget.

I’ll be surprised if Damon ends up back in pinstripes. What about you? Is Damon out of the picture, or could he linger long enough for the Yankees to bring him back?

Actually, the headline might be a bit of a lie. It might take another two days for the baseball trade and free agent markets to heat up again (even baseball executives enjoy a relaxing, post-new-years weekend), but we’re clearly past the holiday season. News will start flowing again fairly soon.

MLBTradeRumors has an interesting post looking back at the first week of 2009. If last year is any indication, the next few days might get interesting, but they might not have much of a lasting impact.

It was at this time last year that…

• Milton Bradley signed a three-year deal with the Cubs (he’s since been traded to the Mariners).

• Pat Burrell signed a two-year deal with the Rays (is anyone willing to take him off Tampa Bay’s hands?).

• John Smoltz signed a one-year deal with the Red Sox (he was released before the end of the season).

• Jason Giambi signed a one-year deal with the Athletics (also released by the end of the season).

• Jerry Hairston Jr. signed a one-year deal with the Reds (you know how that story ended).

It might be time for the hot stove to heat up again, but let’s see if teams can make some moves that last this time around.

My guess is today won’t be very productive for anyone. I’m at my friend Jonathan’s house, where we’ll probably mix some football with the DVD of It Might Get Loud. I don’t expect any Yankees news today, but you never know.

To pass some time on what I hope is a relaxing day for everyone, here are a few links that have nothing to do with Gilbert Arenas.

• The Yankees-Red Sox rivalry has apparently extended to the ice. (thanks to Steven for emailing the link)

• St. Louis manager Tony LaRussa seems to be expecting the Cardinals to make a move soon. His latest tweet could be a not-so-veiled reference to a Matt Holliday signing.

• Good news for one Yankees prospect: Jose Ramirez was named the year’s top short-season starter. (thanks Michael)

• Bad news for another Yankees prospect: Power-hitting corner infielder Brandon Laird was arrested.

• No surprise, the Angels are interested in Aroldis Chapman. The ESPN story indicates that Angels first baseman Kendry Morales, himself a Cuban refugee, has become friends with Chapman. You think Juan Miranda knows Chapman?

• It has nothing to do with the Yankeees, but here’s a pretty cool baseball story about a guy who saw Josh Gibson play.

Enjoy the day everyone.

Just wanted to welcome everyone to 2010.

And by everyone, I mean everyone living in Eastern Standard Time. For those of you a little farther west, refresh this post in an hour (or two, or three). The post won’t be any different, but at least it will be accurate. For those of you who rang in the new year already, how’s it going so far? Everything pretty much the same? Good.