Former Yankees Hideki Matsui, Johnny Damon Find Success on Opening Day as ‘New Guys’

Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon started off their seasons with strong performances on Monday. Both of these “new guys” drove in two runs for their respective teams. Sure, it's just one game, but Red Sox fans can't help but smile, thinking of what went through the heads of Yankees fans.

If Matsui or Damon still played on the Yankees, either player might have been able to prevent New York’s 9-7 Opening Night loss to Boston.

Instead, Matsui helped the Angels beat the Twins 6-3 by going 2-for-4 with a home run in the cleanup spot. Damon went 2-for-5 with a double as the Tigers topped the Royals 8-4.

"Anybody always wants to start off the season on a good note," Matsui told The Associated Press through a translator. "I was just happy I was able to do it, and hopefully, I can extend that a bit more."

Matsui and Damon’s successful opening performances may leave a bad taste in the mouth of Yankee fans, possibly foreshadowing what is to come for the ex-pinstripes.