Johnny Damon quietly has emerged as a possible choice to be their next center fielder, according to an industry source familiar with the team's plans. Damon's candidacy was initially dismissed by the Yankees, who were convinced the free agent was committed to returning to the Red Sox. While Boston remains Damon's first option, friends of the outfielder now say "everyone's in, including the Yankees" after the Sox passed on the opportunity to sign him to a three-year, $31 million contract last spring. Damon now is willing to listen to the Yankees. Question is, will they nibble? Agent Scott Boras is asking for seven years, $84 million - a price tag even Damon's pals concede is outrageous for a 32-year-old player - but the Bombers could be tempted if Damon were willing to agree to a four-year pact. For now, the Yankees continue to pursue Brian Giles, another free agent, although he comes with some obvious red flags: Giles is neither young (35), nor is he a bona fide center fielder, having played just 17 games there last year with the Padres.