Damn you Yankees

[5point0pony]

NEW YORK -- George Steinbrenner quickly had a chat with his empire's newest star.

A day after leaving the Boston Red Sox to accept a $52 million, four-year contract with the New York Yankees, center fielder Johnny Damon had a conversation with the Boss, who hopes his latest acquisition will help the Yankees win the World Series for the first time since 2000.

"Steinbrenner spoke to Johnny Damon today for about 15 minutes and he indicated it was a good conversation," Steinbrenner spokesman Howard Rubenstein said.

The Boss didn't want to say anything else publicly about the bearded, shaggy-haired leadoff hitter, who will top a batting order that includes Derek Jeter, Jason Giambi, Alex Rodriguez, Hideki Matsui, Gary Sheffield and Jorge Posada.

Damon, however, had a few words for all the disappointed folks back in New England.

"I know what's going on in Boston. I know fans are upset and I'm sorry," Damon said in an interview with WBZ television in Boston from his Florida home.

He also recalled Game 7 of the 2004 AL championship series, when he hit two key homers -- including a grand slam -- to lead the Red Sox past New York at Yankee Stadium.

"I know I'll always be remembered for Game 7 to help get us to the World Series and I know I'm also going to be remembered for jumping sides," Damon said.

Giambi helped recruit the two-time All-Star to the Yankees.

"Johnny and I spoke a few times over the last week and I strongly encouraged him to sign with the Yankees," Giambi said through his agent, Arn Tellem. "It is good to know that our lineup next year will include a natural leadoff hitter whose presence allows Jeter and A-Rod to return to their preferred places in the batting order. Johnny is a good friend and a great guy to have in the clubhouse. I am very excited about having him as a teammate again."

Damon is expected to have his physical on Thursday and the deal is likely to be finalized on Friday, when a news conference would be held at Yankee Stadium.

Also Wednesday, New York reached a preliminary agreement with longtime center fielder Bernie Williams on a $1.5 million, one-year contract, a deal that allows the 37-year-old to earn an additional $1.5 million in performance bonuses. Williams, like Damon, is represented by Scott Boras.

Williams will have a reduced role as a part-time outfielder and designated hitter. The moves coupled with reliever Octavio Dotel's $2 million agreement this week increased New York's payroll to about $189 million, with pitchers Shawn Chacon and Aaron Small still unsigned and eligible for salary arbitration. Still, the Yankees are likely to start the season with a 25-man payroll below their final 2005 level, about $205 million.

Brandon Steiner, whose company partners with the Yankees in a joint venture to sell memorabilia, predicted the outgoing Damon would become a fan favorite in the Bronx.

"Johnny Damon was big in Boston but he will become larger than life in New York," Steiner said.

At least one company was seeking to become part of a promotion with Damon, who must shave his beard and trim his locks to comport with Steinbrenner's hair rules. Phillips Norelco said it would make a $15,000 donation to a charity chosen by Damon if he shaves with their electric razor.

Boras said Damon made his decision Tuesday. Boston's offer was said to be $40 million over four years, and Damon told WBZ that another team offered him a six-year deal worth $25 million more than the Yankees' deal. But he didn't disclose which club.

"It wasn't just economics that went into this decision. It was really about winning," Boras said. "With his skills and the skills of the Yankees, it was really a good fit."

The 32-year-old Damon has 1,789 career hits in 11 major league seasons and replaces Williams, whose defense and production declined in recent years. Boras said Damon also thought about career statistics in making his pick.

"He had a goal in this process, where he wanted to get to 3,000 hits," Boras said. "He'll be young enough."

[Hollywood]

What a fucking traitor. I don't like either team but considering the rivalry and the part he had in overcoming that curse, you can't sell out any more than he did.

[joezgarage]

What a fucking traitor.

And you would stay with your old team for 12 million less over 4 years?

[venomviper69]

And you would stay with your old team for 12 million less over 4 years?

does 12 million really matter when you have made over 100 MILLION in your career? I think i woulda stayed just out of respect for the fans that have supported you and the organization that made you a star. Any other team but the yanks....thats to me like a slap in the face

[01WhiteCobra]

does 12 million really matter when you have made over 100 MILLION in your career?

Yes and Johnny hasn't made 100MM yet. With his 52MM contract with the Yanks he will make 100MM over his career over the next four years.

[5point0pony]

But still you have to admit thats kind of a sell out move. And he goes to the Yankees, one of the biggest rivalries in sports, out of all teams why would he make that decision? Is the money THAT important to him. If anything at least the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry will be even more dramatic.

[Hollywood]

And you would stay with your old team for 12 million less over 4 years?


Oh come on, it's not like he's poor and it's not like he would have been playing for peanuts or charity. The guy sold out and thats all there is to it. He has no loyalties and no love for the game to make a move like this. If he did, he would have went to another team or stayed with the BoSox. Going to the Yankees was the ultimate slap in the face and I don't even like the fucker.

[5point0pony]

and I don't even like the fucker.
I did, he was one of my favs but then i saw that. Sell out! I just cant respect somebody who will sell out their team when they have enough cash thrown at them.

[venomviper69]

my point exactly

[That_Is_My_El_Camino]

Playing on a sorry team is a good way to kill loyalty and love of the game. You bitches just fear change.

[regaltip]

I'm a Sox fan and Johnny D was the most popular player on that team. 3 Mil more a year will help keep his young hot wife.

[Badass2000gt]

does 12 million really matter when you have made over 100 MILLION in your career? I think i woulda stayed just out of respect for the fans that have supported you and the organization that made you a star. Any other team but the yanks....thats to me like a slap in the face
Fuck the fans. I would do it for the money.

[01WhiteCobra]

Oh come on, it's not like he's poor and it's not like he would have been playing for peanuts or charity. The guy sold out and thats all there is to it. He has no loyalties and no love for the game to make a move like this. If he did, he would have went to another team or stayed with the BoSox. Going to the Yankees was the ultimate slap in the face and I don't even like the fucker.

It's not like he set some fucking precedence (during the free agency period of MLB). I guess Clemmens and Boggs are also dumbasses (although Clemmens had a stint with the 'jays in between.) Damon was drafted by the Royals and played with them for 5 years. Using your logic, Damon should never have left the Royals.

The A's ponied up quite a few million for him. I guess he should have been comfortable with that.

The Sox ponied up a few more million for him (and longer contract) and he played for them for 3 years.

The Yankees ponied up a few more million for him and he'll play for them for the next few years.

Boston fans should appreciate the fact he was a major part of breaking the "curse".

I guess anyone that leaves a job for another because of money are selling out. I mean, we all should need to upgrade our lifestyles from time to time. We could all probably live on a meger 10K or so a year, if we really tried.

[BreedLove]

fuck damon. i am a yankees fan and that makes me sick that we signed him. i think he is the biggest peice of shit in the game.

[Hollywood]

It's not like he set some fucking precedence (during the free agency period of MLB). I guess Clemmens and Boggs are also dumbasses (although Clemmens had a stint with the 'jays in between.) Damon was drafted by the Royals and played with them for 5 years. Using your logic, Damon should never have left the Royals.

The A's ponied up quite a few million for him. I guess he should have been comfortable with that.

The Sox ponied up a few more million for him (and longer contract) and he played for them for 3 years.

The Yankees ponied up a few more million for him and he'll play for them for the next few years.

Boston fans should appreciate the fact he was a major part of breaking the "curse".

I guess anyone that leaves a job for another because of money are selling out. I mean, we all should need to upgrade our lifestyles from time to time. We could all probably live on a meger 10K or so a year, if we really tried.

Not at all. If you re-read my statement, him leaving for any other team other than the Yankees would have been fine. So your Royals statement is moot.

As far as leaving for more money, we are not talking about a guy who makes 25k a year leaving for another job that pays 50K a year. The guy is already rich and set for life.

[01WhiteCobra]

Not at all. If you re-read my statement, him leaving for any other team other than the Yankees would have been fine. So your Royals statement is moot.

As far as leaving for more money, we are not talking about a guy who makes 25k a year leaving for another job that pays 50K a year. The guy is already rich and set for life.


Horeshit on both accounts.

There is no loyalty in baseball anymore. The owners didn't want it and the players didn't want. The fans are still attending games, thus they *really* don't mind it. Thus your point is moot. Saying any team, but..., is a silly argument.

You are thinking too small. He left for a substantial increase over what the Bo Sox wanted to pay.

Just because you are stuck in a 25K vs. 50K a year life change doesn't mean the rest of the world is.

Johnny left for more money in a much larger media market. The salary increase was just icing on the cake.

[Trip McNeely]

Fuck anything Boston. I like him now that hes a Yankee. Even though the Astros will kick his ass next season in the playoffs. :eek:

[Hollywood]

Horeshit on both accounts.

There is no loyalty in baseball anymore. The owners didn't want it and the players didn't want. The fans are still attending games, thus they *really* don't mind it. Thus your point is moot. Saying any team, but..., is a silly argument.

You are thinking too small. He left for a substantial increase over what the Bo Sox wanted to pay.

Just because you are stuck in a 25K vs. 50K a year life change doesn't mean the rest of the world is.

Johnny left for more money in a much larger media market. The salary increase was just icing on the cake.

I make alot more than 25k a year, it was just a basis for cmparison. Thats a big jump for someone making 25k a year. Someone making 10 million a year taking a jump to 15 million is not going to prompt a change in lifestyle like the aforementioned example.

No loyaltly in baseball? Tell that to Paul Konerko who took less money to stay on a team that plays second fiddle to the Cubs in it's on city.

[01WhiteCobra]

I make alot more than 25k a year, it was just a basis for cmparison. Thats a big jump for someone making 25k a year. Someone making 10 million a year taking a jump to 15 million is not going to prompt a change in lifestyle like the aforementioned example.

Again, that is your opinion.

Maybe Damon wants a private plane at his beckon call. May he wants to purchase a 10MM yatch?

The increase allows him this.

Some people are more than willing to live in a 100K house, making 50K a year and driving a 5 year old Chevy.

Some people want a 10MM house and drive a new Ferrari every month.

My lifestyle is dramatically different at 1MM a year, 10MM a year or 20MM a year.

Just saw a guy on CNBC that started buying exotic cars at the rate of 1-2 a month. A few extra million a year lets you do that.

Johnny didn't setup the rules of free agency in baseball. But he'll certainly play by the rules and maximize the potential rewards associated with it.

If the Red Sox really wanted Johnny to stay they could have. They didn't want to.

[01WhiteCobra]

I make alot more than 25k a year, it was just a basis for cmparison. Thats a big jump for someone making 25k a year.

Let say you make 200K a year. You've worked at your present company for 4 years and are under contract that is due to come up. The company decides to offer you 20K a year more for 4 years. Another company decides to offer you 50K a year more for 4 years.

You really like the company you are with and would stay with them if they offered you the same amount.

But they didn't.

Would you stay?

[Hollywood]

Again, that is your opinion.

Maybe Damon wants a private plane at his beckon call. May he wants to purchase a 10MM yatch?

The increase allows him this.

Some people are more than willing to live in a 100K house, making 50K a year and driving a 5 year old Chevy.

Some people want a 10MM house and drive a new Ferrari every month.

My lifestyle is dramatically different at 1MM a year, 10MM a year or 20MM a year.

Just saw a guy on CNBC that started buying exotic cars at the rate of 1-2 a month. A few extra million a year lets you do that.

Johnny didn't setup the rules of free agency in baseball. But he'll certainly play by the rules and maximize the potential rewards associated with it.

If the Red Sox really wanted Johnny to stay they could have. They didn't want to.


You do know what his current salary is right? He made over 8 million this year with the Red Sox. If you divide the 52mill up into 4 years, that'll be 13 million next year. So thats not that big of a jump.

[Hollywood]

Let say you make 200K a year. You've worked at your present company for 4 years and are under contract that is due to come up. The company decides to offer you 20K a year more for 4 years. Another company decides to offer you 50K a year more for 4 years.

You really like the company you are with and would stay with them if they offered you the same amount.

But they didn't.

Would you stay?

At 200k a year, i'm not set for life. At 8 million a year, i'm set.

[01WhiteCobra]

You do know what his current salary is right? He made over 8 million this year with the Red Sox. If you divide the 52mill up into 4 years, that'll be 13 million next year. So thats not that big of a jump.

I'd say a 30% increase in salary is a really nice yearly jump.

[01WhiteCobra]

At 200k a year, i'm not set for life. At 8 million a year, i'm set.

That is why you do what you do and you don't play professional baseball.

Different abilities and different mindsets.

Giambi and Damon are really good friends. If I had a choice of working for an organization paying me less money or working for an organization that was paying more and I have a close friend I get to do it with, I'm going with the second organization. To top it off, working for a team that will surely see me go deep into the playoffs for the rest of my career.

In the article Damon said another club offered more than the Yankees. He still chose the Yankees. Obviously money wasn't a strong factor.

[Hollywood]

That is why you do what you do and you don't play professional baseball.

Different abilities and different mindsets.

Giambi and Damon are really good friends. If I had a choice of working for an organization paying me less money or working for an organization that was paying more and I have a close friend I get to do it with, I'm going with the second organization. To top it off, working for a team that will surely see me go deep into the playoffs for the rest of my career.

In the article Damon said another club offered more than the Yankees. He still chose the Yankees. Obviously money wasn't a strong factor.

I do what I do because I was not talented enough to play professional baseball, it has nothing to do with the fact that I would have loyalties to a specific organization if I was making millions of dollars. In my current situation, my services are offered up to the highest bidder, because if I lost my job tomorrow, I could not go long without a paycheck. Damon could quite right now and not have to worry about anything, he's set for life.
I'm looking at it from a baseball fan perspective. I'm a diehard white sox fan. I hate and despise the Cubs. IF I were a ball player, there is no amount of money in the world that could put me in a Cubs uniform. Damon seperated himself from the players who play for the love of the game and those who are just playing the game to collect a paycheck. He is the latter.
As for Damon's statement that another team offered more, I think he's just saying that because of the heat he's catching for this move.

[That_Is_My_El_Camino]

Damon seperated himself from the players who play for the love of the game and those who are just playing the game to collect a paycheck. He is the latter.Why can't he just be someone who wants to win? The Yankees regularly beat the Red Sox, with one fluke season the year before last, and now the Red Sox are teh sux again. The Yankees were, too, but it looks like they're getting players and building a team to win.

[kangol]

30% raise, a better team, and personal reasons.

I bet that decision was a piece of cake for him.


http://rhode.chronosilence.org/blog/images/damon-cake-1.jpg

[01WhiteCobra]

Damon seperated himself from the players who play for the love of the game and those who are just playing the game to collect a paycheck. He is the latter

How do you know that for sure?

Maybe Damon has a life long dream of playing with the Yankees? The situation came up, it made economical sense, and he went.

Let's say you played for the Cubs because you were drafted by the Rangers and eventually traded to the Cubs. You played with them for 4 years because, well, that is what the MLB said you had to do (or you didn't play for anyone in the MLB).

Your contract comes up, your agent has discussions with the Sox and Angels. The Angels offered more money but the Sox offered enough to register in your comfort zone. To further complicate it, lets say while you played with the Cubbies, you won a World Series.

Do you go to the Sox?

Or, just because you are a professional baseball player, you can't have a favorite team anymore?

I grew up playing baseball in New Jersey and Texas (mostly Texas). Regardless of where I played I always dreamed of being a Yankee. I still, when the situation presents itself (about once a year), take a game in at Yankee Stadium and a hotdog at Ballpark Lanes and some Guinness at Fiddler's Elbow.

I grew up wanting to be as good as Mickey Mantle (got to see him play his last season in 1968 as a 5 year old), Craig Nettles, Chris Chambliss, Bobby Bonds, Roy White, Lou Piniella, Bobby Cox

If I was good enough to play MLB it wouldn't change the fact my favorite team would always be the Yankees.

Doesn't mean I wouldn't want to beat them if I played for another team. But if my contract was up and the Yankees were interested it wouldn't take much for me to jump ship in a hurry.