Damon Signs with Yankees

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Wow, Damon sure is cocky. Check out some of these quotes I pulled off of BDD:

 

We know George Steinbrenner’s reputation. He always wants to have the best players, and I think he showed that tonight.

 

I talked to Tito (Francona) and I told him they need to really get going because if not, I'm going to be on another team... I thought it would be tomorrow or Thursday when we agreed in principle but we were actually able to hammer things out today. Unfortunately Boston had other plans, I'm not sure if they knew I meant it but now I'm a Yankee. Hopefully now they'll go off and get one of the center fielders they've been courting for the last month or so.

 

“Our policy with the Yankees is to go out there and win… A good leadoff hitter is tough to find, and I think that New York just found the best leadoff hitter in the game.

 

Woah woah woah Mr. Primadona. Your a good player, one of the best? hardly. The best leadoff hitter in the game? Don't make me laugh....

 

Apparently Damon read and believed all the hype Scott Boras has been saying about him.

[SouthSideRyan]

Haha--Yankees have a need, they get Johnny Damon for a 4-year deal.

Cubs have a need, they get Jock Jones for a 3-year deal.

You need short and sweet evidence about the difference between winning and losing organizations? There you go.

And don't give me the canard about the Yankees and $$, the Cubs have plenty of money.

 

You make it sound like this isn't a horrible deal. Damon will have all the range of Bernie Williams '04 in 2 years.

[E.J.]

It looks like Damon is getting a no trade clause as well:

 

Newsday

 

The Yankees have been insistent all along that they would not go beyond four years for Damon, 32, and they may have surprised themselves by accomplishing their mission without wrecking their plan. The Yankees' concession was to pay Damon $13 million annually, which is high for a leadoff hitter and actually slightly above his original asking price of $12 million. Damon is also to receive a no-trade clause.

 

The Yankees don't ever seem to learn.

[Cubzfan64]

Johnny fits the entire persona of the "Idiot" Red Sox of 2004. He's truly not the brightest bulb in the pack to say the least.

 

He does think very highly of himself, but let's face it, when you take an egotistical far less than brilliant athlete and make him a "rock staresque" icon, it's hard to blame him.

 

The fact of the matter is he said to a local sportsguy last night that when he came to the Red Sox, his primary goal for his career in Boston was to score as many runs as he could - he didn't focus on average, power, OBP or anything else, he just focused on scoring runs. I'd say his numbers indicate he did an excellent job at that.

 

He'll do fine in New York for a couple years, but I'll bet anything that the way he plays the game (all out) will catch up with him soon and he'll start breaking down physically.

 

Personally I don't think he ever had much of an intention of resigning with the Red Sox, and I'm sure Boras was able to manipulate Damon like putty.

 

As far as what Boston will do for CF, I hear it's going to be Reed as well if they can swing a trade.

[JWCUB]

An opening in Center? Do you think the Cubs could offer CPatt and others in an attempt for a Manny Trade? Unlikely, I know. But in a lot of ways, it makes sence. After losing Damon, Manny really wont want to stay in Boston. And I really see the BoSox going in the wrong direction. Thoughts, comments?

[JStaff17]

An opening in Center? Do you think the Cubs could offer CPatt and others in an attempt for a Manny Trade? Unlikely, I know. But in a lot of ways, it makes sence. After losing Damon, Manny really wont want to stay in Boston. And I really see the BoSox going in the wrong direction. Thoughts, comments?

 

This is interesting. While I don't find it very probable. What kind of deal could be swung with the BoSox for Manny. I would say it would take a lot, but it may be worth a lot to get one of the best hitters in the game today. Realistically, my idea for the trade would be:

 

Cubs get: Manny

 

Boston gets: Patterson, Williams, Wellemeyer, and at least another ML ready prospect.

 

I still dont know if that is enough for Boston to bite. They would still have a hole at shortstop, so they might ask for Cedeno as well. The money involved obviously is not equal as well. In conclusion, it's going to be difficult and expensive to trade for Manny. Would Tejada be cheaper?

[nick23]

An opening in Center? Do you think the Cubs could offer CPatt and others in an attempt for a Manny Trade? Unlikely, I know. But in a lot of ways, it makes sence. After losing Damon, Manny really wont want to stay in Boston. And I really see the BoSox going in the wrong direction. Thoughts, comments?

 

This is interesting. While I don't find it very probable. What kind of deal could be swung with the BoSox for Manny. I would say it would take a lot, but it may be worth a lot to get one of the best hitters in the game today. Realistically, my idea for the trade would be:

 

Cubs get: Manny

 

Boston gets: Patterson, Williams, Wellemeyer, and at least another ML ready prospect.

 

I still dont know if that is enough for Boston to bite. They would still have a hole at shortstop, so they might ask for Cedeno as well. The money involved obviously is not equal as well. In conclusion, it's going to be difficult and expensive to trade for Manny. Would Tejada be cheaper?

 

They'd also have a pretty big hole in left.

[goonys evil twin]

An opening in Center? Do you think the Cubs could offer CPatt and others in an attempt for a Manny Trade? Unlikely, I know. But in a lot of ways, it makes sence. After losing Damon, Manny really wont want to stay in Boston. And I really see the BoSox going in the wrong direction. Thoughts, comments?

 

This is interesting. While I don't find it very probable. What kind of deal could be swung with the BoSox for Manny. I would say it would take a lot, but it may be worth a lot to get one of the best hitters in the game today. Realistically, my idea for the trade would be:

 

Cubs get: Manny

 

Boston gets: Patterson, Williams, Wellemeyer, and at least another ML ready prospect.

 

I still dont know if that is enough for Boston to bite. They would still have a hole at shortstop, so they might ask for Cedeno as well. The money involved obviously is not equal as well. In conclusion, it's going to be difficult and expensive to trade for Manny. Would Tejada be cheaper?

 

I don't think that's realistic. First off, you'd probably have to add Murton to the list (and with Manny and Jones in the corners for the next 3 years, you might as well). You'd have to include some bullpen arms as well. You would have to give them enough to convince them to pick up some of Manny's salary.

[abuck1220]

buster olney on espnews just said that the yanks gave damon a tuesday deadline, and that if he didn't give them an answer they were going to explore other options. corey patterson was the only name he mentioned. that seems kinda odd.

[goonys evil twin]

buster olney on espnews just said that the yanks gave damon a tuesday deadline, and that if he didn't give them an answer they were going to explore other options. corey patterson was the only name he mentioned. that seems kinda odd.

 

So he didn't sign?

[abuck1220]

buster olney on espnews just said that the yanks gave damon a tuesday deadline, and that if he didn't give them an answer they were going to explore other options. corey patterson was the only name he mentioned. that seems kinda odd.

 

So he didn't sign?

 

are you talking about corey? i'm guessing olney was talking about a trade. patterson would be crazy to not sign, wouldn't he?

[goonys evil twin]

buster olney on espnews just said that the yanks gave damon a tuesday deadline, and that if he didn't give them an answer they were going to explore other options. corey patterson was the only name he mentioned. that seems kinda odd.

 

So he didn't sign?

 

are you talking about corey? i'm guessing olney was talking about a trade. patterson would be crazy to not sign, wouldn't he?

 

Oh wait, now I get it. I thought Damon hadn't signed and had until Tuesday to decide, but you're saying that was the tactic the Yanks used.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

buster olney on espnews just said that the yanks gave damon a tuesday deadline, and that if he didn't give them an answer they were going to explore other options. corey patterson was the only name he mentioned. that seems kinda odd.

 

So he didn't sign?

 

are you talking about corey? i'm guessing olney was talking about a trade. patterson would be crazy to not sign, wouldn't he?

 

Huh?

[abuck1220]

buster olney on espnews just said that the yanks gave damon a tuesday deadline, and that if he didn't give them an answer they were going to explore other options. corey patterson was the only name he mentioned. that seems kinda odd.

 

So he didn't sign?

 

are you talking about corey? i'm guessing olney was talking about a trade. patterson would be crazy to not sign, wouldn't he?

 

Oh wait, now I get it. I thought Damon hadn't signed and had until Tuesday to decide, but you're saying that was the tactic the Yanks used.

 

right. i thought you were asking if corey accepted the cubs' offer for a contract...

[JWCUB]

An opening in Center? Do you think the Cubs could offer CPatt and others in an attempt for a Manny Trade? Unlikely, I know. But in a lot of ways, it makes sence. After losing Damon, Manny really wont want to stay in Boston. And I really see the BoSox going in the wrong direction. Thoughts, comments?

 

This is interesting. While I don't find it very probable. What kind of deal could be swung with the BoSox for Manny. I would say it would take a lot, but it may be worth a lot to get one of the best hitters in the game today. Realistically, my idea for the trade would be:

 

Cubs get: Manny

 

Boston gets: Patterson, Williams, Wellemeyer, and at least another ML ready prospect.

 

I still dont know if that is enough for Boston to bite. They would still have a hole at shortstop, so they might ask for Cedeno as well. The money involved obviously is not equal as well. In conclusion, it's going to be difficult and expensive to trade for Manny. Would Tejada be cheaper?

 

I don't think that's realistic. First off, you'd probably have to add Murton to the list (and with Manny and Jones in the corners for the next 3 years, you might as well). You'd have to include some bullpen arms as well. You would have to give them enough to convince them to pick up some of Manny's salary.

 

Not sure how realistic it is, but very interesting. Could anyone explain to me the FA signing rules? Sometimes it seems there are a lot of little details that I can never remember. Like not being able to trade someone until June or something like that. When does this rule apply? If it dosent apply to Jones, could he be a part of the package? That way we could keep Murton, send them Jones to replace Manny, CPatt in center, Williams, Welly, and maybe a prospect or 2.

[goonys evil twin]

Not sure how realistic it is, but very interesting. Could anyone explain to me the FA signing rules? Sometimes it seems there are a lot of little details that I can never remember. Like not being able to trade someone until June or something like that. When does this rule apply? If it dosent apply to Jones, could he be a part of the package? That way we could keep Murton, send them Jones to replace Manny, CPatt in center, Williams, Welly, and maybe a prospect or 2.

 

I'm not 100% certain of those rules, but I am certain they cannot trade Jones. And I am pretty certain they don't want to trade Jones.

 

 

The problem with all of this is Hendry is happy with what he's done. He's had choices, and he's made them. He likes the look of the team. He can't wait to get rid of Corey and Walker, but by and large he's happy with the results of his work. He's not going to completely switch directions and trade away guys he went hard after.

[Cubzfan64]

All this may be interesting, but all indications in Boston are that they're going to try to trade for either Jeremy Reed from Seattle or Coco Crisp to fill the CF spot - Corey's name has never been mentioned in the media here but that doesn't mean it isn't happening behind the scenes.

 

As far as SS goes, Alex Gonzalez (not the ex-Cub) is supposedly on their radar as well.

 

I'd love to see us find a way to get Manny, but realistically I don't see the Red Sox as being good trade partners on this one.

[abuck1220]

on espn classic tonight they were posing questions such as 'is damon the best yankee signing of the past 25 years?' and 'where does damon rank among all time yankee cf greats?' first of all, damon isn't the best yankee signing in the past month...matsui's a better player. secondly, damon isn't even the best yankee cf of this decade...bernie williams was a stud for the first three years of the 2000's.

 

no wonder everyone thinks soriano is so amazing...wear those pinstripes for even a minute and you're the next ____ (mantle, joe d, etc).

[CuseCubFan69]

on espn classic tonight they were posing questions such as 'is damon the best yankee signing of the past 25 years?' and 'where does damon rank among all time yankee cf greats?' first of all, damon isn't the best yankee signing in the past month...matsui's a better player. secondly, damon isn't even the best yankee cf of this decade...bernie williams was a stud for the first three years of the 2000's.

 

no wonder everyone thinks soriano is so amazing...wear those pinstripes for even a minute and you're the next ____ (mantle, joe d, etc).

 

Welcome to my world. Try living in NY.

 

I'm up to here listening to this stupid signing. Since when did Damon become a God?

[Diffusion]

Ironically, Johnny Damon looks like he's from a bygone era without the caveman look.

 

Gross, gross overpayment by the Yankees, but when you scarcely have a budget you need to stick to, does it actually matter?

 

Coco Crisp would be a fantastic move for the Red Sox if they could get him. He's better than Damon at this very moment. He's sure as anything going to be better than him in four years time. And cheaper.

 

The Red Sox were looking for Mike Cameron and Lastings Milledge from the Mets in mid-season when they were looking to trade Manny. They were asking for Mike Cameron on the basis of him being a very good defensive centre fielder with a decent bat. They were asking for Lastings Milledge because he's a top prospect. They weren't willing to eat much of Manny's monstrous contract.

 

If the new management in Boston thinks along similar lines, Felix Pie is going to be asked for. The Cubs will have to pay just about all of the $57m/3yrs. Corey Patterson is a good defensive centre fielder, and his bat probably isn't at this stage a total lost cause, plus he's younger and cheaper than Cameron. Buy low too. But my guess is, because Corey and Pie aren't worth Cameron and Milledge, and because replacing Manny would be harder now, they'd want Matt Murton back too. It'd be a huge amount to pay.

[Sam Studebaker]

This just looks wrong.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/SamStudebaker/Baseball%20Misc/johnny_damon_as_yank.jpg

[CuseCubFan69]

Gammons just said that the Red Sox shold look at Glaus....don't they already have 2 3rd baseman?

[CuseCubFan69]

Ironically, Johnny Damon looks like he's from a bygone era without the caveman look.

 

Gross, gross overpayment by the Yankees, but when you scarcely have a budget you need to stick to, does it actually matter?

 

Coco Crisp would be a fantastic move for the Red Sox if they could get him. He's better than Damon at this very moment. He's sure as anything going to be better than him in four years time. And cheaper.

 

The Red Sox were looking for Mike Cameron and Lastings Milledge from the Mets in mid-season when they were looking to trade Manny. They were asking for Mike Cameron on the basis of him being a very good defensive centre fielder with a decent bat. They were asking for Lastings Milledge because he's a top prospect. They weren't willing to eat much of Manny's monstrous contract.

 

If the new management in Boston thinks along similar lines, Felix Pie is going to be asked for. The Cubs will have to pay just about all of the $57m/3yrs. Corey Patterson is a good defensive centre fielder, and his bat probably isn't at this stage a total lost cause, plus he's younger and cheaper than Cameron. Buy low too. But my guess is, because Corey and Pie aren't worth Cameron and Milledge, and because replacing Manny would be harder now, they'd want Matt Murton back too. It'd be a huge amount to pay.

 

I think they would want a more impact bat then Murton now that they have so many holes to fill. It's possible that a Patterson, Pie, Cedeno and Murton could work depending on how high on Cedeno they would be.

[Diffusion]

Ironically, Johnny Damon looks like he's from a bygone era without the caveman look.

 

Gross, gross overpayment by the Yankees, but when you scarcely have a budget you need to stick to, does it actually matter?

 

Coco Crisp would be a fantastic move for the Red Sox if they could get him. He's better than Damon at this very moment. He's sure as anything going to be better than him in four years time. And cheaper.

 

The Red Sox were looking for Mike Cameron and Lastings Milledge from the Mets in mid-season when they were looking to trade Manny. They were asking for Mike Cameron on the basis of him being a very good defensive centre fielder with a decent bat. They were asking for Lastings Milledge because he's a top prospect. They weren't willing to eat much of Manny's monstrous contract.

 

If the new management in Boston thinks along similar lines, Felix Pie is going to be asked for. The Cubs will have to pay just about all of the $57m/3yrs. Corey Patterson is a good defensive centre fielder, and his bat probably isn't at this stage a total lost cause, plus he's younger and cheaper than Cameron. Buy low too. But my guess is, because Corey and Pie aren't worth Cameron and Milledge, and because replacing Manny would be harder now, they'd want Matt Murton back too. It'd be a huge amount to pay.

 

I think they would want a more impact bat then Murton now that they have so many holes to fill. It's possible that a Patterson, Pie, Cedeno and Murton could work depending on how high on Cedeno they would be.

 

Given that I think Patterson, Pie and Murton would be a huge price to pay, I'm not exactly amenable to throwing in Cedeno too and having to suffer Neifi. A hole now is a hole for a long time unless the farm system comes up big if we have Manny's salary hampering the team's financial flexibility.

[CubfaninCA]

Now they'll just lose in the playoffs 10-9 instead of 10-8.

 

Also, the Cubs shouldn't be compared to the Yankees either. Chicago is not New York City. Not even close.