Joe Girardi Lays Out Some Tentative Plans

While on hand to accept the Bobby Murcer Award from the Baseball Assistance Team (BAT), the beat reporters were all business last night asking manager Joe Girardi questions about Johnny Damon and various other topics.

During the impromptu press conference we got a sneak peak at some of Girardi’s plans for the team:

First, Girardi’s Thoughts on Yankees' Chances with Damon

“I don’t think anything is completely shut until it’s completely shut,” Girardi said. “We’ve talked about our budget and what we have, and it has to work in everybody’s framework. I don’t see it getting done, but you never say never.”

Possibility of Damon Being Disgruntled if He Does Return

"Players who come back, they want to win,” Girardi said. “I think Johnny wants to play for a while, so it would be in Johnny’s best interest to have a good year and see if he can parlay that into a bigger deal the following year or the next year. I would not have any concerns about Johnny coming back. I think Johnny loves to play and Johnny loves to win, no matter what it takes.”

The Value of Brett Gardner’s Speed

“Well, when you look at our outfield, right field is the short porch, and left and center are the areas to cover ground. So I think wherever we put either one of them, they’re going to cover a lot of ground when they’re out there. If Gardy’s in left, he’s going to cover a lot of ground. And that’s going to be helpful. Our field is built to where you want both your left fielder and your center fielder to be able to cover a lot of ground.”

Gardner and Granderson Interchangeable in Left and Center

“I do (agree that they’re interchangeable)...As I said, I’m going to what all our parts are before we make that decision.”

Greg Golson Doesn’t Change Their Search for a Right-Handed Outfielder

“No, not necessarily,” Girardi said. “The kid we picked up today, Greg Golson, is kind of what Gardy was. We expect Gardy to have more playing time, and (Golson) gives us another guy like Gardy (off the bench) if we feel there’s a need.”

Cervelli Is Taking Over as Backup Catcher

“I think it’s a job that he can do. He played at a very high level for us last year and I think he learned a lot. He got some great experience. I think it’s a job that he can handle.”

Sorry, there was no pitching stuff as far as bullpen or the starting rotation, but most of that is going to happen throughout spring training depending on how certain pitchers perform, injuries, etc.

The lineup is also something that is more fluid that wouldn’t be worked out at such an early date.

(Sources: Yankees+%28The+LoHud+Yankees+Blog%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">Chad Jennings of the Journal News and Marc Carig of the Newark Star-Ledger.)

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