The New York Yankees have reportedly found a new leadoff man by coming to terms on a four-year, $52 million contract with former Boston centerfielder Johnny Damon. Newsday reported the agreement, which only enhances baseball's fiercest rivalry. The 32-year-old Damon, regarded as probably the best free agent centerfielder and leadoff man on the market, hit .316 with 10 homers, 75 RBI, 117 runs and 18 stolen bases last season, his fourth with the Red Sox after playing six years with the Kansas City Royals (1995-2000) and one with Oakland (2001). He was offered salary arbitration by the Red Sox, but declined Monday night. Damon has topped 100 runs scored and 30 doubles in each of the last eight seasons. From June 10-July 17 last season he recorded a 29-game hitting streak, the fourth-longest in Red Sox history. With Damon becoming a member of the Yankees, it's likely the team will move shortstop Derek Jeter back to the No. 2 spot in the lineup. After batting second for most of his time in a Yankee uniform, Jeter was elevated to the leadoff spot last season for 154 games. A two-time All-Star, Damon's speed in center field will be an upgrade over Bernie Williams, whose defensive skills have eroded in recent years. On Monday night, Williams declined accepting the Yankees' offer of salary arbitration, but the two sides were trying to work out a contract. For his career, Damon has compiled a .290 average with 130 homers and 700 RBI, along with 281 steals and a .353 on-base percentage. Damon's arrival in New York would only further enhance an already powerful lineup that features Jeter, Gary Sheffield, Alex Rodriguez, Hideki Matusi and Jason Giambi. It was in 2004 that Damon helped the Red Sox cap a historical comeback in the American League Championship Series against the Yankees. He cracked a grand slam and a two-run homer in Boston's 10-3 win in Game 7, as the Red Sox became the first team to win the final four games after dropping the first three of a best-of-seven set. Boston went on to win the World Series by sweeping St. Louis, ending the team's 86-year title drought.