MLB Free Agency: Carlos Pena, Johnny Damon Good Fits for New York Yankees

After the New York Yankees sent Jesus Montero to the Seattle Mariners for Michael Pineda, the Bombers are looking at Johnny Damon and Carlos Pena as possible replacements for the void left at DH after the trade.

Both Damon and Pena have something in common: Both, at one time or another, spent time with the Yankees organization. Damon was a part of the Yanks' 2009 World Series championship, the team's first since 2000.

Damon and Pena are both left-handed hitters, making them a perfect fit for Yankee Stadium with the short right field porch in the Bronx. When Damon was in New York, he had some of the best offensive seasons of his career as a result of the stadium's dimensions.

Pena, 33, is the younger option of the two and has more power. He hit 28 home runs and 80 RBI in 2011 for the Chicago Cubs. His average, however, left something to be desired at .225.

Damon, 38, is a slightly riskier option at his age health-wise, but is a better hitter with less power and equal RBI production ability when comparing his 2011 numbers to Pena's. Damon had 16 home runs and 73 RBI, batting .261.

Both players logged over 150 games last season.

Price may not be that important to New York considering it's likely they'll only give a one-year deal. Pena will most likely cost more because of his younger age, but Damon, who is near the end of his career, should cost less.

All things being equal, I think Pena would be the better bet because of his age and his superior power numbers make him an ideal DH. Either one would be a sufficient addition to fill the DH spot and make a spot start in the field at one point or another.