Johnny Damon said he doesn’t believe Curtis Granderson’s arrival will hurt his chances of returning to the Yankees.
“I don’t think it affects what I can still do. Either they come out and pursue me or they don’t,” Damon told The Post from Orlando, where he just landed after returning from Barcelona. “I still know how to play baseball and will make any team better.”
Damon and Hideki Matsui are free agents who may no longer be needed after the Yankees acquired Granderson in a three-team trade in which they shipped out three prospects.
Matsui’s agent, Arn Tellem, told The Post, “I don’t think the trade has any impact one way or another.”
Though it was a long shot both Damon and Matsui would return even before Granderson’s arrival, it’s more unlikely now. And don’t forget: The Yankees still have Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner.
Tellem said he and Brian Cashman have met regarding Matsui but there are no real negotiations taking place regarding the World Series MVP.
“Nothing at this point. It’s just conversation, general talk,” Tellem said. “And time will tell.”
Tellem said Matsui is working out in California and has been doing outfield work. At some point, according to Tellem, representatives from teams will be allowed to watch Matsui.
As for Granderson, Damon said he was floored that he was available in a deal. He’s pretty confident Granderson, already a fine player, is going to become even better in The Bronx.
“I’m still shocked that Detroit would trade him. He’s a pretty good player and that makes New York better for the next couple of years,” Damon said. “[Hitting coach] Kevin Long will get a hold of him and improve his on-base [skills] and cut down on the strikeouts.”
Damon added, “He’s a good player with some decent pop and good tools. He’ll be around certain players and coaches who will get him to the next level.”
With George A. King III; Mark Hale