Granderson, Johnson Replace Damon, Matsui

The Yankees’ offseason moves coincide with their bid to make the team younger. The Yankees have parted ways with Johnny Damon, 36, and Matsui, 35 (turns 36 midseason), in favor of Curtis Grandereson, who will be 29 by the start of the season and Nick Johnson, 31. The Yankees did, however, want Damon back, but not at the price and length of contract he demanded. 

The Yankees will be losing some power, but they hope the jet stream to right field will help Nick Johnson hit more home runs. What Johnson lacks in power he makes up with patience at the plate. He has a .400+ career OBP and he’ll be given a lot of fastballs to feast on which should drive his average up. Pitchers will be less inclined to walk him knowing Teixeira and A-Rod loom on deck. It would be quite a feat if Johnson walked more than 90 times this season. He walked 99 times last year. 

Granderson, who hit 30 home runs last year, will hover around the same mark in 2010. He’ll fill some of the power void left by Matsui. Although he doesn’t hit well against lefties, he should improve with some tutelage from hitting coach Kevin Long. 

The Yankees lose veteran and post season experience but they get younger and by not giving in to Damon’s demands, they save some money which can be spent on a pitcher to help solidify their rotation.