A Study In Hypotheticals: Johnny Damon To The White Sox

The Boston Globe floated this theory yesterday:

If the Yankees don’t bring Johnny Damon back, the White Sox look like a good fit. They need a leadoff hitter, and while they’d love to sign free agent Chone Figgins and move him to the outfield, he may get too pricy. While Damon has been a No. 2 hitter for the Yankees, he could easily go back to the top spot and give the White Sox some leadoff power.

Figgins should still be Kenny Williams’ No. 1 get. He’s younger (he’s 31, Damon turns 36 on Thursday), more versatile and has put up a higher OBP the last two season than Damon has, something essential to the leadoff spot. Figgins’ WAR was also 5.9 this past season, compared to Damon’s 2.8. Damon’s defense has regressed this season in left field for the Yankees. Outside of power numbers, Figgins is the better player. There’s not a lot of wiggle room for debate here.

Yet, the Sox might get more value from a guy like Damon. Sure, he’s older and slower, but he’s still a solid, above average player, and the 24 home runs he put up last season would fare well inside the Cell. The problem with Figgins is he’s coming off a career year for the Angels, and he’s going to attract a lot of money. It’s not that Kenny’s afraid to spend, but when you look at what the Sox have invested in Jake Peavy and Alex Rios, it might be a little too rich for their blood. With Damon, you get similar needs filled at a reduced rate. For the Sox, either would be a pretty good fit, though Damon’s tenure wouldn’t be as long-term, and would likely have less upside.

One more thing on Damon: he’s exactly the type of player that fits into Ozzie Guillen’s mold — a grinder, a hard worker, a “true” baseball player.

I can already hear Hawk Harrelson gushing about him now …

Posted at 10:25 am
on November 3rd, 2009
Tags: Baseball, Chicago White Sox, Chone Figgins, Johnny Damon, Los Angeles Angels, MLB, New York Yankees

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Djarum Black 7 months ago 1 point
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Figgins’ WAR was also 5.9 this past season, compared to Damon’s 2.8. Damon’s defense has regressed this season in left field for the Yankees. Outside of power numbers, Figgins is the better player. There’s not a lot of wiggle room for debate here.

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tony61 10 months ago 1 point
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We've done the old superstar routine enough already: Thome, Griffey, and to a lesser extent, Contreras. We need youth: Figgins would be perfect, but it's really all about the pitching. Sign Jenks. Now.

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