New Frugal Yankees Are Bargain Hunting This Holiday Season

It looks like economic woes have even caught up with the New York Yankees. Frankly they are looking like real cheapskates compared to last offseason. After balking at the salary demands of fan favorites Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon, they seem content with signing former Yankee first baseman Nick Johnson (late of the Marlins) for the bargain basement price of $5.5 million for one year. Of course there were other reasons for not signing Matsui and Damon, namely Godzilla's trick knees and Johnny's questionable glove in left field.

Matsui took a one year deal with the Los Angeles Angels, so it appears that Johnson would be the heir apparent to the designated hitter spot. Damon could still be an outside possibility for the Yanks if he drops his price. He reportedly wanted to remain in pinstripes, even dropping his demands from three years/$39 million to two years at $20 million - much to the chagrin of agent Scott Boras, no doubt. The Yankees, however, were already closing in on Johnson and said "no thanks".

The question remains whether or not they will be satisfied with Melky Cabrera and/or Brett Gardner in left field. One of these guys could potentially be trade bait for a quality starting pitcher or set up man. The Yankees have not expressed any interest in entering the Matt Holliday sweepstakes, but who knows? Is he the one that they are saving their money for?

Other names that continue to be discussed as possible signings for the Bombers are utility man Mark DeRosa, and pitchers Ben Sheets and Justin Duchsherer. Both Sheets and Duchsherer have been great in the past, but neither pitched last season. What their true market value is still remains to be seen.

New center fielder Curtis Granderson was introduced this week in a press conference at Yankee Stadium. He figures to bring some extra power and defensive range to the position. Curtis also appears to have a great personality, and should fit in well in the Yankees clubhouse. He will be wearing uniform number 14.