Jeter to bat first in new-look Yankees lineup
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Derek Jeter
TAMPA, Fla. - The Yankees' lineup will have a new look this season.
Derek Jeter will be the leadoff hitter and Johnny Damon will bat second, a top of the lineup switch the Yankees will use for the rest of spring training.
Manager Joe Girardi said the reason for the switch is because the team likes how Damon has looked batting second in spring training games. As long as the Yankees like what they see over the final week of spring training games, the team will bring this lineup into the regular season.
The new look at the top of the batting order also is an indication that the Yankees will use Brett Gardner as their everyday centerfielder. Gardner figures to be the ninth hitter, and if Damon was batting leadoff opponents would likely bring a lefthanded specialist to face both hitters. Putting Jeter first splits the two lefthanded hitters.
Damon was called into Girardi's office when he arrived Thursday morning and said afterwards he has no problem giving up the leadoff spot.
"I'm okay with it if it makes our team better," Damon said.
Damon thinks the last time he didn't bat leadoff regularly was 1996.
