"Rumors of Damon/Crede Swap Heating Up I'm not sure how I feel about this one. Johnny Damon, when healthy, is a big time catalyst at the top of the order for us. He is also an upgrade in left field over Matsui, even with his noodle arm. But at the same time, if you can trade a 34 year old part time player for a guy that will start every day for you, I think you have to do it. Crede admittedly had back problems last year, but he is only 29, is above average defensively, and improved each of the previous three seasons before last season, which he almost entirely missed because of his injury. He would be much, much cheaper than the other options at 3b, like Lowell and of course A-Rod. I also like the idea of platooning Wilson Betemit with Shelley Duncan at first base, instead of having Betemit play third. If you look at the splits, Duncan mashes lefties but can't hit righties, and the opposite is true for Betemit. So you would always have a strong batting matchup at first base, no matter who is pitching. Perhaps just as important, this would also keep Jason Giambi off the field and at DH where he belongs. Peter Abraham brings up a good point in his blog. Crede is arbitration eligable, so the Yankees may wait and see if the White Sox offer it to him. If not, he enters free agency and he can be signed without giving up Damon. | Great Yankee Links ProSportsDaily - Yankee Rumors Baseball Links Great Stat Sites |