Major League Baseball

Wednesday's buzz from the GM meetings

Published Nov. 12, 2009 12:38 p.m. ET

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The World Series may still be fresh in your mind, but MLB GMs are already focusing on next season. Thankfully, Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi are on the ground in Chicago with all the latest gossip and buzz. Note: All times listed are ET.

Monday's buzz | Tuesday's buzz

Yanks, Cashman have alternatives to Damon — 10:19 p.m.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman does not dispute agent Scott Boras' assertions about free-agent left fielder Johnny Damon's value to the Yankees.

Cashman, however, will not lack for a top-of-the-lineup alternative if Boras and Damon insist upon on a longer contract that the Yankees are willing to offer.

Free agent Chone Figgins, 31, is more than four years younger than Damon. He could replace Damon in left and combine with Derek Jeter to give the Yankees a similar 1-2 punch at the top of their order.

Cashman, however, places great value on players who succeed in New York — something that both Damon and fellow Yankees free agent Hideki Matsui already have done.

Some agents and executives, viewing Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner as little more than spare outfielders, actually believe the Yankees should focus more on center field than left.

Curtis Granderson obviously would be a fit if the Tigers indeed were willing to move him. But while Granderson hit a career-high 30 homers last season, his on-base percentage dropped from .365 to .327 and his slugging percentage from .494 to .453. He also was a liability against left-handers, batting .183-.245-.239.

The Yankees long have had interest in free agent Mike Cameron, who could be a one-year stopgap until top prospect Austin Jackson is ready for the majors.

Or, they could stay with Cabrera and Gardner in center and sign Damon or Figgins — or pursue more of a slugger such as Matt Holliday or Jason Bay to play left field.

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