Before departing for Italy yesterday, Joe Torre made one more recruiting call on behalf of the Yankees. According to multiple officials familiar with the situation, the Yankees manager reached out to free-agent centerfielder Johnny Damon. The Yankees have significant competition for Damon, though, besides his own Boston Red Sox. According to multiple officials, Damon will travel to Los Angeles this weekend to meet with the Dodgers. Torre also revealed yesterday, at a Manhattan luncheon, that he has conversed with free agent Nomar Garciaparra, whom the Yankees would like to employ as a "super utility" player of sorts, making starts primarily at first base and designated hitter and occasionally everywhere else around the infield.