Mailbag: Who will man center in '09?

Yankees beat reporter Bryan Hoch answers fans' questions Playing primarily in left, Johnny Damon hit .303 with 17 homers and 71 RBIs. (Jim McIsaac/Getty) With all the attention on big-name acquisitions for the rotation and first base, what's the deal with center field? The Yankees have had inconsistent play since the days of Bernie Williams patrolling the grass. Johnny Damon would argue that he had a pretty solid year, especially filling in after Melky Cabrera lost his handle on center field. In any event, general manager Brian Cashman said last week that he does not consider obtaining a center fielder a top priority. The refrain we've heard is pitching, pitching and more pitching, which the Yankees can seriously attack once dollar figures become kosher to discuss on Friday. If there is no upgrade in center, Cashman said the... [read full story]