With Hideki Matsui officially signing with the Los Angeles Angels and Johnny Damon's chances to sign looking progressively distant, the New York Yankees have begun to discuss a contract with former first baseman Nick Johnson.

Johnson came up through the Yankees farm system and has quietly gained a reputation as one of baseball's most patient hitters. Injuries have hurt his career from advancing as far as many thought it would by now.

Johnson is a solid first baseman and fits into the Yankee style of hitting well with his high on base percentage. Johnson made 5.5 million in 2009 as he hit .291 with a .426 on base percentage.

The Marlins and Red Sox are also in talks with Johnson's agent.