The Damon Situation

Over this past weekend, there were multiple reports on Johnny Damon and his situation with the Yankees. As of now, the teams have not agreed on anything, but it seems there may be a decision approaching very soon.

Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated has said that the Yankees have given Damon a deadline to accept an offer (likely a low-base salary plus incentives deal), or the Yankees will move on to other opportunities. Brian Cashman later denied that rumor. Then, Marc Carig of the Newark Star-Ledger tweeted that Damon texted him saying he should have a team within a week.

So here's where it all seems to stand:
Damon either accepts a low offer from the Yankees or declines to go elsewhere for slightly more money and the Yankees choose from one of the following to fill the roster spot:
Xavier Nady
Reed Johnson
Randy Winn
Jermaine Dye and Jim Edmonds have been mentioned, but Brian Cashman basically said neither are on the Yanks' radar.

Here's my opinion and take on the situation:
Damon isn't going to get the kind of money he was seeking from any team. He's going to take a paycut no matter where he goes. So, if he wants to play for the Yankees bad enough, he'll take the low deal with incentives to play with the Yanks again. If money is the bigger concern, he'll decline and go elsewhere.

If Damon does go elsewhere, the Yanks will choose from Nady, Johnson, and Winn. So which of the three is the best? In order:

Reed Johnson

He can play all three outfield positions, has great numbers against lefties, not terrible against righties, and has the experience of playing the AL East. I definitely think he does a good job of getting on base. Johnson seems like someone who gives the Yanks versatility, no one expects amazing things out of, and can provide great upside.

Xavier Nady

When healthy, he has the best bat of anyone in contention for the spot. He can play both corner OF positions, which is where help is needed since Granderson will control CF and play almost every day. The big problem is the second elbow surgery he just had that forced him to miss almost all of 2009. He has risk, and it would be a major blow if he can't hit well or throw the ball from the outfield. If he's healthy, he'd be a steal at the bargain price he'd get.

Randy Winn

He's the oldest of the group at 35 and might command a higher salary out of the three. He has a decent bat but was bad against lefties last year. He's played a lot at each outfield spot, which is a plus. However, I think he'd want a starting job guaranteed, and the Yankees won't want to give him that promise. Could be good, but I don't see him coming to the Yanks, who want to stay relatively young.

Let me know who you think should fill the Yankees' outfield spot and vote in the poll on the right.