Damon to the Yankees

[Beckett95]

Idiot.

 

What Would Jesus Do if Scott Boras were his agent? I don't know, but Johnny Damon just made the mistake of his career by signing a four-year, $52 million deal with the Yankees.

 

Players never learn. They can't help it, I guess. They become free agents and receive all those offers and see all those dollar signs, and then Boras whispers into their ears about how they'll go play in some magical land with talking animals, giant lollipops and marshmallow clouds. Naturally, they lose all their senses and sign for the most money instead of with the team that is best for them.

 

This is not about Damon's moving from the Red Sox to their hated rival. Good gosh, no. This isn't 1957 anymore, when Jackie Robinson decided to retire rather than accept a trade from the Dodgers to the Giants. The only good scene in "Fever Pitch" is when Jimmy Fallon's character sees Jason Varitek, Trot Nixon and Damon laughing in a restaurant after a bitter defeat and suddenly realizes that the fans care far more about losing than the players do. And I seem to recall Roger Clemens orchestrated a move to New York, and it didn't hurt his career any.

 

Besides, it's not like Damon has been with the Red Sox that long, anyway. He played for Oakland before Boston and played for the Royals before Oakland. He has almost twice as many career at-bats with other teams than he does with Boston.

 

No, the problem is not that Damon left the Red Sox. The problem is he signed with a team that's all wrong for him.

 

The problem is the dress code.

 

Forget about his batting leadoff ahead of Jeter, A-Rod, Giambi, Sheffield and Matsui (though I am a little worried about the No. 8 spot in New York's lineup). Forget about all those runs he should score. The thing that should worry Yankees fans (other than his arm) is that Damon is going to play for someone who has this thing about hair. On his first day as owner, George Steinbrenner looked at his new team lined up for the national anthem and circled the photo of every Yankee he thought needed a haircut. He ordered Oscar Gamble to get a haircut. Even though he was serving a "lifetime ban" at the time, there is little doubt he was behind ordering Don Mattingly to get a haircut.

 

(Is there any question why this man donated money to Richard Nixon's slush fund?)

 

I've long maintained that Giambi's biggest mistake was not his decision to take steroids, it was signing with the Yankees. Steroids didn't hurt Giambi's career, they helped it. It was signing with the Yankees that ruined him. He went from being a wild, long-haired, free spirit in Oakland to playing for the most conservative team in sports. He cut his hair, shaved his face and covered up his tattoos -- and he's never been the same player. Without his true personality, he's a lesser player. He's been domesticated. Putting him in the Yankees clubhouse was like capturing a lion and putting him in a zoo.

 

(Speaking of taking proud animals from their natural environment -- I saw "King Kong" last week and loved a lot of it, especially the early scenes depicting Depression-era New York. But three hours? Good Lord, has Peter Jackson never heard of an editor? Enough already with the dinosaur scenes. We saw those a decade ago in "Jurassic Park," and frankly, the special effects were more believable then. This would have been a great movie if it were 45 minutes shorter. If the theatrical version tops three hours, I shudder to think about the special director's-cut DVD.)

 

Sure, Damon was clean-cut before he joined the Red Sox. But this isn't just about the hair. It's about personality and spirit and being yourself instead of being forced into corporate pinstripes that don't suit you. Some players are meant for New York (Jeter) and some players aren't (Giambi). Damon is in a bad fit and his career will suffer (although maybe not as much as Bubba Crosby's).

 

Yes, the money is good. But is it that much better than what the Red Sox offered? Was it worth all the grief it will bring? The worst thing A-Rod ever did was sign that $252 million contract with Texas. He could have signed a shorter deal with a contender that paid nearly as much per season. Instead, he signed with a last-place team that put a label on him he'll never shake.

 

By signing with New York, Damon destroyed his legacy in Boston. Despite his role in winning the long-coveted World Series, he instantly becomes dead to Red Sox fans for going over to the dark side. He's also going to hear boos in New York. His signing doesn't begin to help the Yankees' considerable pitching needs. Unless the Yankees solve those needs, they will struggle and Damon will become their scapegoat.

 

Damon will regret this. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but as soon as he gets his tires slashed in Boston.

 

By Jim Caple ESPN.COM

[riverside sluggers]

4-40 fine first offer, but if the Yankees offer 4-52, then you do it. Damon is the best leadoff hitter in the game.

 

whose to say that johnny wouldve taken the sox's offer over the yankees even if they matched that deal? I think he decided this on more reasons than the contract.

[MANNYHOF24]

Lets be real, if the sox had matched the offer Damon would be Red Sox

[stocker323]

I don't think the Sox knew about the Yankees' offer to Damon. From their point of view it sounds like they didn't know about the offer and it came out of the blue. It sounded like they didn't "have a chance" to match the offer. The Sox let this one slip away though there's no doubt about that.

[riverside sluggers]

i am being real... do you think the front office fiasco and them letting go a majority of his teammates, factored any in his decision?

 

Appareantly to recent interviews and the one he had with CBS, it did very much so

[26 to 6]

I don't think the Sox knew about the Yankees' offer to Damon. From their point of view it sounds like they didn't know about the offer and it came out of the blue. It sounded like they didn't "have a chance" to match the offer. The Sox let this one slip away though there's no doubt about that.

Damon said that he called Luccino PERSONALLY and he refused to match it. If the Sox had matched the deal there is no doubt Damon would be there and not here.

[riverside sluggers]

um link?

[MANNYHOF24]

Damon said that he called Luccino PERSONALLY and he refused to match it. If the Sox had matched the deal there is no doubt Damon would be there and not here.

 

Lucchino and Damon are both Bastards

[AlexanderTheGreat13]

I wouldnt blame Damon for taking the extra 12 million. Everybody complains (not just people on this board) that there is no more "loyalty" in sports. Well you know why I laugh at that? Because once a player is done and cant play anymore its rare that the organzation that he plays with takes care of him. If Damon signs that 4 year 40 million dollar deal and craps out at the end of that you all know the Red Sox will kick him to the curb. So I wouldnt blame ANY player for grabing as much money as possible.

[stocker323]

Damon said that he called Luccino PERSONALLY and he refused to match it. If the Sox had matched the deal there is no doubt Damon would be there and not here.

 

Why don't you think they came back to you saying "here's our offer from the Yankees?"

Lucchino: That's an interesting question but it's better posed to Scott Boras and to Johnny than it is to us. I think that... if you'd like me to guess, there may have been some deadline imposed on them, some pressure perhaps they felt in the negotiation. but we were talking to them as recently as yesterday, Jed you spoke to them last evening or was it late afternoon? (Hoyer: about 7:00 last evening).

 

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

[MANNYHOF24]

I wouldnt blame Damon for taking the extra 12 million. Everybody complains (not just people on this board) that there is no more "loyalty" in sports. Well you know why I laugh at that? Because once a player is done and cant play anymore its rare that the organzation that he plays with takes care of him. If Damon signs that 4 year 40 million dollar deal and craps out at the end of that you all know the Red Sox will kick him to the curb. So I wouldnt blame ANY player for grabing as much money as possible.

 

You know what i wouldnt care if say Damon went to the Dodgers, i mean but he stabed RSN in the back for a few extra dollars, which shouldnt have happened he should have been payed. what makes you think that Damon will suck in the 4th year, he will only be 36 a lot of ball players are sucsessful in their late 30's

[Optimist]

i mean but he stabed RSN in the back for a few extra dollars,

 

You know something is wrong when people start describing $12 million as a 'few extra dollars.'

[MANNYHOF24]

You know something is wrong when people start describing $12 million as a 'few extra dollars.'

 

40 to 52 millon, i mean come on Johnny Damon has enough Money to do what ever he wants for the rest of his life, seriously this is what is wrong with sports, leaving a town that has the most pasionate fans in baseball for your arch-rival just for 3 millon more a year, To Damon thats pocket change

[26 to 6]

Why don't you think they came back to you saying "here's our offer from the Yankees?"

Lucchino: That's an interesting question but it's better posed to Scott Boras and to Johnny than it is to us. I think that... if you'd like me to guess, there may have been some deadline imposed on them, some pressure perhaps they felt in the negotiation. but we were talking to them as recently as yesterday, Jed you spoke to them last evening or was it late afternoon? (Hoyer: about 7:00 last evening).

 

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

Well thats what I have been hearing. I am allowed to be mistaken, but I know I heard it a few times

[AlexanderTheGreat13]

You know what i wouldnt care if say Damon went to the Dodgers, i mean but he stabed RSN in the back for a few extra dollars, which shouldnt have happened he should have been payed. what makes you think that Damon will suck in the 4th year, he will only be 36 a lot of ball players are sucsessful in their late 30's

I never said he WILL suck I put an IF in front of that statmemt. You and I know if he craps out after that 4th year hes not getting that extra 12 million back. Be real folks, he owes nothing to the fans. The only people he owes anything to is himself and his family. This isnt the old days anymore.

[AlexanderTheGreat13]

You know something is wrong when people start describing $12 million as a 'few extra dollars.'

agreed, I'd like to pocket that "few extra dollars".

[eZ_d0eS_iT]

i still think boras is the devil here. this puppetmaster has a history of manipulating his clients into not only chasing the money and going to clubs that aren't necessarily the best fit personality-wise, but on top of that, i am starting to think its also much more of an ego trip. i mean s***, most of his clients are either on major-market teams, or he's trying to break the bank just to prove a point and im sure squeeze a little more of a commission for himself. i think he'd die from shock if he ever had a client tell him no thank you, i don't need an extra 12 million, me and my family are perfectly happy and comfortable and dont need to move. and yes, we will take that home-town discount.

[Pinstripe_Pride]

You know something is wrong when people start describing $12 million as a 'few extra dollars.'

Yeah seriously. I don't think some people understand the concept of 12 million dollars. It's not like these guys have very long shelf lives (compared to actors at least) so I mean, who are you to say that he should go for less money when he is still playing the game he loves, still playing in the best rivalry in sports, and he is being smart and financially setting himself and his family? Welcome to the Bronx, Damon.

[Optimist]

i still think boras is the devil here. this puppetmaster has a history of manipulating his clients into not only chasing the money and going to clubs that aren't necessarily the best fit personality-wise, but on top of that, i am starting to think its also much more of an ego trip. i mean s***, most of his clients are either on major-market teams, or he's trying to break the bank just to prove a point and im sure squeeze a little more of a commission for himself. i think he'd die from shock if he ever had a client tell him no thank you, i don't need an extra 12 million, me and my family are perfectly happy and comfortable and dont need to move. and yes, we will take that home-town discount.

 

I think I would die too if someone I was trying to get the best (by best, I mean biggest) deal for turned down $12 million.

[Beckett95]

according to Buster Olney, Lucchino and Boras have had a "difficult history" and says there wasnt alot of contact between Damon and the Red Sox over the last few days.

 

i put 50% of the blame on Lucchino, 30% on Boras and 20% on damon himself. They all contributed to this

[Optimist]

I remember reading this morning that Damon was called by one (or a few) Yankees; has anybody heard who actually called him?

[stocker323]

I remember reading this morning that Damon was called by one (or a few) Yankees; has anybody heard who actually called him?

 

I heard definitely Giambi possibly Myers.

[Optimist]

I heard definitely Giambi possibly Myers.

 

Yeah, they said in the article that Giambi called.

[Beckett95]

ya myers said that he has called damon to try to get him in NY

[Soxfan1]

Im not really that angry in all honesty... I never really liked Damon that much. Im sure we can find a capable replacement that actually has an arm.

I admire you so much more for that. That is exactly what I thought when i heard this. Also i thought TRAITOR!

[Cityofchampions33]

according to Buster Olney, Lucchino and Boras have had a "difficult history" and says there wasnt alot of contact between Damon and the Red Sox over the last few days.

 

i put 50% of the blame on Lucchino, 30% on Boras and 20% on damon himself. They all contributed to this

 

Well, as I pointed out in the other thread, Damon/Boras never seriously told the Sox that NYY had offered them that deal. I'm sure that if they did, we wouldv't at least gone up to 48 mill.

[whereisnomar]

I like the ESPN baseball headlines, DAMoN Yankees, nothing but the truth. But really, this sucks.

[riverside sluggers]

Interesting stat, Damon holds just a career .252 avg at Yankee Stadium in 66 games to go along with a .301 OBP

[26 Reasons to Hate Us]

and i think its funny you arent worried about your pitching when that is the only thing you should be worried about. your staff sucked ass last year and you have made no pitching moves. good luck with that

 

We made all our pitching moves last year during the season. Unfortunately, there wasnt much of a market this year. I mean, we could have thrown money at burnett, but would that actually make us better?

 

chacon is the guy making you feel comfortable with your rotation??? wow. i guess half a season of pitching is all you need these days to erase an entire career of s***** pitching huh?

 

I'll take a half season of great pitching over a guy like burnett who's under .500 career. In case I didnt make myself clear, Chacon is a breaking ball pitcher. In Colorado, where he played his WHOLE CAREER until last year, his breaking balls wouldn't break hardly at all. That's why he's been a s***** pitcher his WHOLE CAREER. Then somehow (magically i guess), he comes to NY and throws a 2.85. Has to be luck right? Well, if you look at his CAREER ERA away from coors field, he has a pretty good 4.3 ERA. Now that he will not be at coors field anymore, there is good reason to expect him to keep pitching this well. I wonder if the yankees saw all this when they acquired him... Do people get this now? Stats are a wonderful thing.

 

Now let's see... how does this 4.3 stack up to Sox pitching?

 

Arroyo 4.59

Clement 4.37

Wells 4.06

Wakefield 4.28

Schilling 3.40

 

Gosh I'd HATE to have to rely on this young live arm. He's nowhere near the caliber pitching the sox have... give me a break

 

but still this season against Boston in 2 games, 0-1 with a 14.73 ERA (6 ER in 3.2 innings)

 

so I can't say hes good because he had a great half year, but you can say he's terrible because he had a rough 2 games vs the best offense in baseball last year?:dunno:

[AlexanderTheGreat13]

so I can't say hes good because he had a great half year, but you can say he's terrible because he had a rough 2 games vs the best offense in baseball last year?:dunno

agreed, the Yankees DO play against other teams next year guys. Not just the Red Sox.