MLB Trade Rumors: Johnny Damon & New York Yankees

Buster Olney at ESPN.com:

"Two things have to happen in order for Johnny Damon to re-sign with the Yankees. First, he must greatly reduce his asking price, and secondly, Hal Steinbrenner must agree to expand the team's budget. In the past, George Steinbrenner would've done this without blinking, but Hal Steinbrenner has taken more of a business-oriented approach, and it's not a sure thing that Hal would approve such a request about Damon. But because Aubrey Huff has signed with the Giants -- with the possible ripples meaning that Mark DeRosa could be a semi-regular left fielder -- and with the Braves seemingly lukewarm on the notion of pursuing Damon, the veteran outfielder doesn't have a lot of good options."

I'm thinking Johnny Damon needs to be Adrian beltra creative and sign for a larger one-year deal with a reduced second year option i.e. $8 MM in 2010 with a player option for $4 MM.