Damon Should Stay a Yankee

FROM NECESSARY ROUGHNESS

We have heard it before from Johnny Damon about how loyal he is to a team, but this time, at age 35, (36 in November) he may be telling the truth.

According to Yankees.com, Damon says he wants to be a Yankee beyond 2009, as he should. He is having a career year at the new stadium, which is built perfectly for a left handed hitter. He also cannot be as demanding at this point in his career, thus making him, and agent Scott Boras easier to deal with.

On the flip side, the Yankees need Damon.

After this season, The Yankees outfield, assuming Matsui will be let go once his contract expires, will consist of, Melky Cabrera, Nick Swisher, Brett Gardner and possibly Xavier Nady if he is healthy.

The Yankees have been discussing the possibility of bringing up prospect Austin Jackson, but that is not a definite.

With that outfield, Damon is someone who can be a valuable leader and help mentor all the youth. He also brings a solid bat to either lead-off or bat second in the order.

Assuming he takes a pay cut, which he should and probably will, along with signing for no more than two years, Damon is someone the Yankees should keep.