BOSTON (AP) – Free agent center fielder Johnny Damon said three teams are vying for his services, including Boston, but he hasn’t heard back from the Red Sox since they offered him a four-year, $40 million deal last week.

Damon told WBZ-TV on Thursday that he could be playing in either New York or Los Angeles next season.

“There’s a good chance,” he said. “We’re still talking. I should know in the next couple of days.”

If Damon does go to the Dodgers, he would be reunited with former Boston manager Grady Little, pitcher Derek Lowe and third baseman Bill Mueller, who just signed with LA this week.

Damon’s agent, Scott Boras, has been seeking a seven-year contract for Damon averaging about $12 million.

The Yankees signed left-handed reliever Mike Myers to a two-year, $2.4 million contract on Thursday, and Damon’s former Red Sox teammate campaigned for Damon to join him there.

“I think the fans would absolutely love him there,” Myers said, “just his hustle and his passion for the game, the way he goes about his business. I think he’d fit in great in the clubhouse, even though I don’t know what the clubhouse is.”

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, following Myers on a conference call with reporters, remained coy about his interest in Damon.

“I’m glad that Mike has got an opinion and is expressing it because it gives you guys a lot more to run with than I’ve been providing,” Cashman said.

New York and Los Angeles are also among four teams competing for Nomar Garciaparra, the former Boston shortstop. Cleveland and Houston are also interested.

“We had a tight-knit group in Boston,” said Damon. “I’d like to be in a place that is comfortable.

“And hey, Nomar could end up with me in either LA or New York.”

AP-ES-12-16-05 0840EST

Copy the Story Link

Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.