The New York Daily News has reported that outfielder Johnny Damon advised free agent pitcher A.J. Burnett to choose the Yankees over the Red Sox. "Johnny talked to A.J. about New York, the differences between New York and Boston, how he views it," a Yankee official said. "Johnny couldn't be happier here, and he communicated those thoughts to A.J." Alex Rodriguez also reportedly helped recruit Burnett to New York.