Saturday, February 18, 2012

What Sources Would Say This???

"Sources said there is a good deal of sentiment within the Yankees organization to go after Raul Ibanez -- who wants to play for the team -- to be their designated hitter against right-handers, partly because they believe he can give them some days of outfield play.

Although Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui are also available, they are generally regarded as unplayable defensively, sources said."  (via ESPN)

I'm not going to go to Jon Heyman levels of shilling for Johnny Damon, because he's no Gold Glover, but any source that would consider Johnny Damon "unplayable" defensively when compared to Raul Ibanez is not a source that should be taken seriously and quoted in a story.  Hell, it's not even a source that should be talked to as a source.  Sure, his arm is basically a wet noodle in the outfield, but it always has been and wouldn't be a reason to call Damon "unplayable" as an outfielder.  And even if Damon was the benchmark for determining playability, there's no chance in hell that Ibanez passes that standard.  Against Matsui, sure.  Against Damon, no way.

If the Yankees are saying that they truly value Ibanez over Damon because of defensive skills, that statement has to be coming from Levine.  There's no way Cash would make a decision this stupid.

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