Damon to the Yankees

[26 Reasons to Hate Us]

I'm sure the Theo thing also had a lot to do with it. Front office not loyal to Theo (architect of championship and a superior farm system), so why should Johnny be loyal ot them?

 

Exactly...Theo not coming back was probably the biggest thing.

 

I would even say that if Theo were still there, Damon would have re-signed, perhaps even at the same price he just turned down...

[example1]

That was before he was "insulted" by the sox's offer though, and before he "lost faith" in the red sox front office. I'm sure when he said that he expected the sox's offer to be at least close to top dollar, not 12 million less...

 

Johnny Damon was one of my favorite Red Sox. Then I read his book "Idiot". He is as arrogant as they come and truly believes that he is one of the best players in baseball. I think Yankee fans, while delighted about acquiring a piece of their puzzle, will come to be frustrated with many of the things that Sox fans became frustrated about: slightly above average speed, occasional goofs in CF, a noodle of an arm (worse than Bernies) and the propensity to fall into deep slumps.

 

If this move helps us to resign David Ortiz and Josh Beckett then in the long run I think people will be okay with it. And while he's not ready yet, in two years I would love to see Jacoby Ellsbury get a chance in CF. We used a first round pick on him and he has been compared to Damon, except he's faster and gets on base more (at this point in his career, of course).

 

The yankees have completely and utterly sold out now. I don't blame them, they want to win, but if I were a yankee fan I would be frustrated because they show a complete and utter inability to find players who are on the VERGE of stardom, rather than has-been stars who they plug-and-play into their system. Right now they have a number of starters who sold out for more money. They are, therefore, an inherently selfish team that only came to the Yankees for individual stardom and higher salaries.

 

What the sox are trying to do is to build a team from the ground up, with guys who like to be there. They want lots of the wakefield/nixon/varitek mold, and less of the journeymen "my salary is more important than the team" mold.

 

If the sox had paid Damon anything more than 4/40 then that would have been a slap in the face to Varitek who is a more valuable player and a more beloved Red Sox.

[vegassoxfan]

im pissed at damon and the front office both. but the fact remains in the last 5 years the sox and yanks have only one series title between them and that was when the sox had great pitching and defense. so if the sox use the money for pitching and defense then great move. as it stands the white sox would probably kick both our asses. both teams still have pitching concerns and whoever addresses them better i think will come out on top. that being said. F YOU DAMON. it will be fun booing your clean shaven bitch ass next year!

[BrentD22]

Dam "on" Yankees

 

Just another Red Sox player that leaves us for what ever reason (money or ego take your pick). It's becoming something that we all should get used to. It happens every year. The thing that sucks is that he went and signed with the friggin Yankees! Oh well let's move on because I'm sure Damon will.

[26 Reasons to Hate Us]

The yankees have completely and utterly sold out now. I don't blame them, they want to win, but if I were a yankee fan I would be frustrated because they show a complete and utter inability to find players who are on the VERGE of stardom, rather than has-been stars who they plug-and-play into their system. Right now they have a number of starters who sold out for more money. They are, therefore, an inherently selfish team that only came to the Yankees for individual stardom and higher salaries.

 

 

I agree. They mostly sign aging players, although now that Cashman is back in charge and the Boss doesn't have as much say in things, look for that to change.

 

Even with the Damon signing, 20 mil is coming off the books. Also, last year's woes forced the yankees to find younger players who are GOING to break out, not established players who have been good for years. Without last years bad play/injuries, you dont have Wang, Small, Chacon, or Cano on the team. In one year Cashman has added those guys, and has gotten younger in the bullpen too (Farsworth vs Gordon). Even Damon is 6 years younger than bernie. Cashman already has this team younger and less expensive. It's a process, and it's not gonna happen overnight, but watch and see what a responsible GM can do as long as the boss stays out of it.

[schillingouttheks]

I agree. They mostly sign aging players, although now that Cashman is back in charge and the Boss doesn't have as much say in things, look for that to change.

 

Even with the Damon signing, 20 mil is coming off the books. Also, last year's woes forced the yankees to find younger players who are GOING to break out, not established players who have been good for years. Without last years bad play/injuries, you dont have Wang, Small, Chacon, or Cano on the team. In one year Cashman has added those guys, and has gotten younger in the bullpen too (Farsworth vs Gordon). Even Damon is 6 years younger than bernie. Cashman already has this team younger and less expensive. It's a process, and it's not gonna happen overnight, but watch and see what a responsible GM can do as long as the boss stays out of it.

The first time I saw your name, I wanted to kill you. But reading some of your posts I'm glad to have ya, and welcome

 

Anyway, I thought getting some sleep would make me feel better, but it really hasn't. I'm not mad that we lost Johnny, because I know we can have a better future by bringing in a future stud for less $$, but the fact that he went to the Yankees makes it sting the worst.

 

And "He Hate Me," given the circumstances, I'm glad I said it. Although, you are correct, I really never thought that would come out of my mouth

[26 Reasons to Hate Us]

The first time I saw your name, I wanted to kill you. But reading some of your posts I'm glad to have ya, and welcome

 

 

Thanks...

 

I'm just glad to find some people to talk baseball in December...

[schillingouttheks]

Hahaha, we're always ready to talk with some new people, regardless of team. Enjoy the stay.

[He Hate Me]

And "He Hate Me," given the circumstances, I'm glad I said it. Although, you are correct, I really never thought that would come out of my mouth

 

Wanna make a bet on you'll never say that about Ortiz? I mean, he fits all the components of a Yankee FA signing. He'll be at least 30, and he's a Red Sox. I'm thinking the Evil EMpire might give him Manny or Giambi money just to stick it to the Rebels.

[26 Reasons to Hate Us]

If we signed manny or ortiz i dont think i would ever stop laughing

 

At least then Ortiz would have to shave that stupid chinstrap beard he has goin

[Manny Goes Boom]

Wanna make a bet on you'll never say that about Ortiz? I mean, he fits all the components of a Yankee FA signing. He'll be at least 30, and he's a Red Sox. I'm thinking the Evil EMpire might give him Manny or Giambi money just to stick it to the Rebels.

 

Don't be greedy like Johnny, one ex-Red Sox star is enough. And plus if that DID happen, there would be riots in Boston. The FO personell would have to drive in armored cars because people would want their necks.

[BoSox21]

I'm starting to get pissed off at the front office. They didn't learn their lesson with Theo and they were crying after he left. Now they're crying after Johnny has left saying they had no idea he signed with the Yankees and blablabla. They need to learn that if they want something, get the f*** out there and grab it. That's what Steinbrenner does and as much as I hate those f***ing Yankees, I'd rather have an owner more like Steinbrenner and less like Henry/Lucchino/Werner right now.

[sarasoxfan]

poor johnny.who can blame him. they were so mean theo, how could he possibily stay in a such a mean enivornment--what a relief it must be to go somewhere serene and loyal...

[26 Reasons to Hate Us]

Love him or hate him, the boss knows how to run a team. He wants to win, and he does whatever it takes to put out a contender every year. He simply does not accept failure, and while other teams may not like it, they have to respect it.

[Beckett95]

Love him or hate him, the boss knows how to run a team. He wants to win, and he does whatever it takes to put out a contender every year. He simply does not accept failure, and while other teams may not like it, they have to respect it.

exactly. Hes more worried about winning than paying 10 million extra $. Lucchino and Henry dont really seam to care. They just want to keep there money.

[sarasoxfan]

dont push your luck 26 by complimenting george-i'll jst say this he has an obsene payroll, and for not accepting failure he should be getting used to it after topping 200 million and not winning. so it is debatable how well he runs his team. he is an obnoxious ******* and doesnt deserve the respect yo speak of, sometimes maybe envy but respect is by no means a given. But nice try.

in any event, I guess the fans in KC and oakland know what we now know, that the guy is a greedy douche bag just like the rest of them.

I dont blame the agent as much as I want too, johnny could have a been a real man like Tek and insisted on negotiating like a dude not a greedy pig. Well, now we can add the name damon to the other list of money hungry egomaniacs like pedro, et al. I have a real distase fo major league athlletes at the moment, and much more a taste for poeple for poeple trot, tek, wake who like where they are and what they do.

good job by our new GM's. f***.

[Beckett95]

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/

 

good article with the redsox front office

[26 Reasons to Hate Us]

exactly. Hes more worried about winning than paying 10 million extra $. Lucchino and Henry dont really seam to care. They just want to keep there money.

 

I think he realizes that if he wins more, goes deeper into the playoffs, etc., he will make back the extra money he spends. Just this one move this offseason will sell tons more tickets/merchandise this year, and (hopefully) the extra playoff games.

 

As the saying goes:

 

You gotta spend money to make money.

[26 Reasons to Hate Us]

dont push your luck 26 by complimenting george-i'll jst say this he has an obsene payroll, and for not accepting failure he should be getting used to it after topping 200 million and not winning. so it is debatable how well he runs his team. he is an obnoxious ******* and doesnt deserve the respect yo speak of, sometimes maybe envy but respect is by no means a given. But nice try.

in any event, I guess the fans in KC and oakland know what we now know, that the guy is a greedy douche bag just like the rest of them.

I dont blame the agent as much as I want too, johnny could have a been a real man like Tek and insisted on negotiating like a dude not a greedy pig. Well, now we can add the name damon to the other list of money hungry egomaniacs like pedro, et al. I have a real distase fo major league athlletes at the moment, and much more a taste for poeple for poeple trot, tek, wake who like where they are and what they do.

good job by our new GM's. f***.

 

I really hate the payroll argument... you DO know which team is in 2nd place right?

 

You don't exactly have bill beane runnin your show either...

[Beckett95]

Knee-jerk reaction from NoMaas:

 

We seriously can't believe this. We are upset beyond words. The Yankees spend $52 million on a guy who has a 102 OPS+ for his career and was one of the worst defensive CFs in baseball last year, according to Zone Rating. Best of all, the Yankees will get his decline years as he hits his mid 30s.

 

And because he's a "natural leadoff hitter", he is going to move 5 better hitters down in the batting order. And how many times do you think Jeter is going to sacrifice bunt next year? Damon should hit 6th in this Yankee lineup.

 

This signing goes against everything that Cashman has been preaching so far this offseason. Was this a Cashman move or was this ordered by Steinbrenner? One has to wonder. Either way proves that this organization is still dysfunctional and inefficient.

 

Is he an upgrade over Bernie? Yes, he is. But is he worth a $52 million investment? What about the luxury tax? Ever hear of risk/reward? This is a waste of money and a typical Yankees move. These are the garbage transactions that inspired the creation of NoMaas.

 

nomaas.org

[26 Reasons to Hate Us]

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/

 

good article with the redsox front office

 

Red Sox officials smugly believed there was no market for marquee center fielder Johnny Damon and the Yankees took advantage of Boston's big sleep. Sox fans can't escape the conclusion that there's chaos at the top. The Josh Beckett trade bought some goodwill and glad tidings, but losing Damon to the Yankees is a devastating blow.

-- Boston Globe

 

Almost as stunning as Johnny Damon's decision to sign with Boston's storied archrival was that the Red Sox did not learn of Damon's decision until they were contacted by reporters last night. CEO Larry Lucchino, who already has endured intense criticism in the wake of Theo Epstein's unexpected departure as general manager, was in charge of the Damon negotiations and said last night he had not been told of a deal by either Damon or his agent, Scott Boras.

-- Boston Globe

[schillingouttheks]

I really hate the payroll argument... you DO know which team is in 2nd place right?

 

You don't exactly have bill beane runnin your show either...

2nd place is also vastly overrated. Our payroll comes nowhere near 200 million. I remember seeing something like the difference in payrolls between the Pirates and the Sox is the same as the Sox and the Yankees.

[26 Reasons to Hate Us]

2nd place is also vastly overrated. Our payroll comes nowhere near 200 million. I remember seeing something like the difference in payrolls between the Pirates and the Sox is the same as the Sox and the Yankees.

 

It will be interesting to see the 2006 payroll numbers. The Yankees should still be in 1st even though it will be about 20 mil less, but the Mets may jump into 2nd the way they are spending this year.

 

I honestly think that in the next few years with Cashman in charge we will see the payroll come back down and hold steady at about 150 mil... still a lot but not much more than a couple of the other big market teams

[Sizzlin22]

If I'm not mistaken did I not call this in the "What owuld you go if you were the Yankees GM" thread. four years for a grossly large ammount of money that the Red so xowuld be stupid to match.

 

Personally I think we're better off thats jsut way too muc for a guy who is likely to start declinging in the middle of that contrat. Hugely helps the Yankees in the short term though.

[ImissPedro]

Ironically it is one year to the day that Pedro Martinez left, I got an idea for a new T-shirt we might see coming over the bridge to Kenmore after games next year : "Jesus has been crucified" Maybe thats taking it a bit too far but thats how it would seem now, in this city at least...

(No offense to anyone, this is solely for the sake of humor)

[Beckett95]

the Yankees will have five of the AL's top 12 run-scorers in their lineup next season.

 

1. Alex Rodriguez 124

2. Derek Jeter 122

3. David Ortiz 119

4. Johnny Damon 117

5. Michael Young 114

6. Chone Figgins 113

7. Manny Ramirez 112

7. Mark Teixeira 112

9. Ichiro Suzuki 111

9. Grady Sizemore 111

11. Hideki Matsui 108

12. Gary Sheffield 104

[Optimist]

When I heard this, this morning, I was shocked. I really thought Damon was going to go back to Boston.

 

Well, on paper, I like this deal. I don't think it can be really judged though until the season starts and we see how this whole thing unfolds.

[26 Reasons to Hate Us]

the Yankees will have five of the AL's top 12 run-scorers in their lineup next season.

 

1. Alex Rodriguez 124

2. Derek Jeter 122

3. David Ortiz 119

4. Johnny Damon 117

5. Michael Young 114

6. Chone Figgins 113

7. Manny Ramirez 112

7. Mark Teixeira 112

9. Ichiro Suzuki 111

9. Grady Sizemore 111

11. Hideki Matsui 108

12. Gary Sheffield 104

 

 

Giambi might sneak in there too if he plays like he did the second half of last year...

[Beckett95]

they also have 4 guys in the top 10 for Batting average

 

arod, jeter, matsui, damon

 

ALSO

6 in the top 20 for OBP

[ARod2212]

It'll come down to pitching. If Randy Johnson is Randy Johnson, Mussina and Pavano are healthy, then the Yankees will win oodles of games this year. And probably 27.