Damon is a tremendous addition to the 2006 version of the Bronx Bombers. Not only will he have a major impact on this lineup offensively, but he can go get the ball in centerfield.

I think the best thing about this deal is what it does to the Sox. I haven't been keeping track of them of late, but it leaves a big hole in CF. I don't care if it means they now have an additional 10 mil to work with - they're not replacing Damon with anyone out there.

I'm wondering if, come 2008 or 9 when Damon has lost a step or two, they start to turn the job over to Melky. He turns 24 in August of 2008. Assuming he shows steady improvement over the next couple years, it might work out perfectly. You gotta wonder if they had that in mind when they signed JD to 4 years.

YankeeFanatic wrote:

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You may be on to something Mick! Melky was a bust last year, but he's so young and has (now) 2, 3 maybe 4 years to mature.

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Let's hope he does so. He's young and could still show something - a lot of guys struggle at that age, even at AA - but I think it's still up in the air whether or not he'll ever be a legit starter, based on his minor league numbers. He needs plate discipline first, and a little power second, not to mention better D (which can be learned). Maybe he's a late bloomer.