[ThePundit]

George Steinbrenner's nightmares about the World Baseball Classic are suddenly a reality. Johnny Damon has been shut down from throwing for about a week after hurting his left shoulder trying to get himself game-ready too quickly.

Damon: "I was trying to build it up real quickly for the tournament," Damon said yesterday as Team USA gathered for an off-day workout in Anaheim. "But I need to back off."

Steinbrenner: "I've got nothing to say," he said. "I've said it all."

Although Damon said he isn't worried about his injury - he insisted he would be on the field if this were Opening Day.

[CityofBrotherlyShove]

Steinbrenner: "I've got nothing to say," he said. "I've said it all."

The is the first time in the history of ever I've agreed with Steinbrenner on something.

And it will be last, as well.

As for Damon, get used to it Yankees. He's got shoulder problems, and they're not going anywhere.

[MVB]

This isn't that serious... everyone has injuries...

[legend]

Could that be why the Red Sox weren't tripping over themselves to sign this guy? He was damaged goods from the start, and made sure he got a big contract before opening his mouth about it.

[Mid-depth_Reporter]

Oh geez... I sure hope this doesn't hurt his home run production...

[ThePundit]

MVB: It doesn't sound serious but what if it turned out to be? It's once thing when your player gets injured playing for your team. But when they get injured in an exhibtion game that a week after it's over, everyone is going to forget, that's a lot harder to take.

[legend]

He says he hurt it rushing to get ready for the WBC. Rushing? Didn't he know when it began? I did and I'm not even in it! I am telling you guys he never got over his sore shoulder from Boston.

[MVB]

If Damon seriously hurt his arm from "rushing" a ball... then the Yankees don't really need him. He's WAY to frail... What most likely happened is he tweaked or pulled a muscle... He'll be ready to play way before the regular season starts....

[CityofBrotherlyShove]

No, legend is right. Damon's productivity declined quite a bit in the second half of last season, and he kept claiming it was because of a shoulder injury he was playing through. So, if the injury is still an issue, that means he never completely healed from it. And yes, that is cause for concern for Yankees fans.

[ThePundit]

So if he's damaged goods, it's only $50 million bucks. The Yankees will just raise the price of beer from $8 to $8.75.....

[MVB]

AP- Yankees CF Johnny Damon has tendinitis in his throwing shoulder and will not be available to play the outfield for the United States on Thursday night against Mexico in the World Baseball Classic. New York general manager Brian Cashman said there is no timetable for when Damon will resume defensive drills but he's not worried about Damon's status for opening day. ...