Each day, "Piss and Wynegar" will present Yankees "player previews" for the coming 2008 season. In what can only be referred to as a "revelatory" strategy, we will use statistics, as well as opinion, to further our analysis.2007 was by no means a lost year for Johnny, as his .351 OBP and .270 AVG did not stray too far from what he’s posted in the past (his 27 SB were also the most he’d swiped since 2003). And, while Damon’s .396 SLG was his second worst in 10 seasons, it doesn’t mean he can’t rebound; however, it was his fall from grace in centerfield that started fans worrying. Suddenly, we all took notice that the Demonic One’s throws from center were reminiscent of the kid in elementary school who sat and read books during recess and, when asked to throw an errant foul ball back to the kids who were playing a pick-up game, looked like he was heaving a two-ton boulder into the infield. Combined with Damon’s newfound tendency to hobble in the direction of a fly ball in the gap, Yankees fans have begun to believe that the beginning of the end is near. Most fans, though, will remain optimistic that a platoon in left and frequent DH’ing will keep Mr. Charming healthy and sprightly throughout the season.
The most important stat on Damon going into ’08, though, now appears to be the over/under on when we first hear about a nagging foot / knee / elbow injury that, while not bad enough to put him on the DL for the first time in his career, will be used by the team to explain why the leadoff hitter is batting .235 with no power and no speed. Last year it was Opening Day. This year, we’ll give Johnny a fighting chance and open the bidding at May 1.
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