Damon to be the starting left fielder

From Ken Davidoff:

Girardi, the Yankees' new manager, is leading the charge to keep Johnny Damon in pinstripes, a person familiar with the club's thinking said, as part of the team's renewed commitment to pitching and defense. Damon impressed the Yankees last year when he switched from centerfield to leftfield, with a layover at designated hitter.

"They realize how important I am to the team," Damon told reporters, according to WFAN. "The way it looks, I'll definitely be back."

Said Cashman: "Like anything else, you don't rule anything out. But I feel Johnny is an important part of this club. I'd love to see him out in leftfield every day and leading off for us." (Newsday)

Damon seemed to be rejuvenated towards the end of the season after a brutal start. After moving to left, Melky Cabrera was given the everyday center field job. While he remains the topic of trade rumors, Cabrera is a very capable outfielder and should only be a better hitter this season.

This leaves Hideki Matsui and Jason Giambi in interesting positions. Matsui would seemingly be the everyday designated hitter, with Giambi occasionally playing first base.

What do you think? Should the Yankees try to play Matsui at first base? I don't really know, but, as Davidoff mentions, it'll be hard for the Yankees to trade Matsui. He has a full no-trade clause and is crucial for marketing purposes.