Damon is the catalyst

As Johnny Damon goes, the Yankees follow.

In victories, Damon is 23-61 (.377) with five home runs and 14 RBI.

In losses, he is 12-64 (.188) with no home runs and two RBI.

Damon is very important to the lineup as the leadoff hitter. When he's on base, he make things happen with his legs. Today, however, he started things off with a home run in the fourth inning which led to the subsequent power explosion by the rest of the lineup.

He was admittedly out of shape last season and was as close as anyone could get to being placed on the disabled list. This year he came to Tampa in much better shape and has gotten off to a better start. Overall, he is batting .280 with five home runs, 16 RBI and 26 runs scored.

For a team that is struggling offensively, it's even more important for him to get on base and try to steal a base or be used in a hit and run situation. When he's off the base paths, the offense seems even more stagnant.

(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)