Johnny Damon out of the Sox Plans?

by Randy Booth on Dec 20, 2005 10:09 AM EST in News

According to Buster Olney's blog:

Heard that within the Red Sox front office, there is some sentiment to make a move now and turn the page on Johnny Damon -- land somebody like Seattle's Jeremy Reed to play center field, and then find some other way to use the money that might've gone to Damon. But the primary proponent of keeping Damon, from what is heard, is CEO Larry Lucchino, who, along with wanting to retain an All-Star center fielder, is concerned about the fallout that might result from losing a major organizational asset. Officials with the both the Red Sox and Yankees believe that only the Red Sox and Yankees are involved in the Damon talks, and New York is merely involved in order to force Boston to pay Damon a chunk of money.

First, let me just say, I enjoy reading Buster Olney's blog. I never thought I'd say that, but it's true. I find myself checking the MLB section of ESPN.com around fifty times a day, and I always seem to get drawn to Olney's section to see if he has updated. It's good especially now because he usually has daily updates on rumors and his reactions to the day's events (His reaction to Alex Rodriguez deciding not to play in the World Baseball Classic is great.)

Secondly, what Olney said would be a great step forward for the Red Sox. The Sox just need to step back and forget about the high-demands and found ourselves a capable replacement, like Reed.

And if Lucchino is the man behind the "Keep JD" campaign, he's adding another reason to the list why I do not like him. It seems like he wants to ruin this team. The only reason Damon doesn't have a 7y/$84 million contract is probably because Tom Werner and John Henry are holding Lucchino back.

And what is this about Lucchino being "concerned about the fallout that might result from losing a major organizational asset"? Oh, alright. If that's the case, Pedro Martinez would still be pitching in a Boston uniform, Manny Ramirez would be comfortably set at home waiting for spring training to come, and guys like Bill Mueller would be lacing up the glove to play third base in Fenway Park come April. But that isn't the case.

Forget about Damon. That's all you have to do, Mr. Lucchino. Do you really want him on the team for the next five, six, or even seven seasons? How do you think his arm will be at the tender age of 38? Wait. Excuse me, how do you think his arm is now? And do you think he could hit .320 every year for the next seven? His defense is undoubtedly declining, also.

I like Damon. Who doesn't, to be honest? He's had some great moments in Boston, but he's asking for way too much money. Sure, he's a fan-favorite, but when the contract demands are too ridiculous, it's time to cut the ties.

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CF

I think the Sox should stick with their offer/committment to Damon. Keep in mind that super a-hole Scott Boras is at the helm and negotiations could take a very long time, but Damon's demands will come down if no one acquiesces.

The Sox should still be able to make a Clement-Reed trade (or something similar) by the time Spring Training rolls around.

"You know you're having a bad day when the fifth inning rolls around and they drag the warning track." - Mike Flanagan, Baltimore Orioles pitcher, 1992.

by SoxDevil on Dec 20, 2005 12:34 PM EST reply actions

RE:

Though the poll says otherwise, I think dropping Damon and using that money for something else would be in our best interest.

Reed is cheap and has the potential to be better than Damon. He also has excellent defense, something that BOS seems to be geared toward this off-season.

And something that I just noticed is that Reed hit a good amount of doubles last season. 33 exactly. That's just as many as some names like Ivan Rodriguez, Victor Martinez, Carl Crawford and Kevin Mench. And only one behind Garrett Anderson, Hank Blalock and Bill Mueller. The company he is in is pretty good.

OverTheMonster.com

by Randy Booth on Dec 20, 2005 1:10 PM EST up reply actions

Well put Randy!

We are currently rumored in the Millwood hunt.

I would be as happy this year with Millwood/Reed as with Arroyo (or Clement)/Damon. And in two years, we will be much better off.

I would be happy with out 2008/2009 team being built around Marte, Reed, Pedroia, Papelbon, Lester, Beckett and Hansen. I expect Ortiz to still be good, although not what he is now. We need to develop corner outfielders, a firstbasemen and another middle infielder. We will have $ (with Manny coming off the payroll). I would love to see us trade Lowell mid-season for a young corner OF or 1B with power.

by cdamon @ Over the Monster on Dec 20, 2005 2:30 PM EST reply actions

RE:

I'm very iffy on Millwood. He had a very good 2005, but he's represented by yes, you guessed it, Scott Boras. They'll want a nice 12-13 million dollar deal for Millwood, I assume. And I really don't think that should be the case.

As for up-and-coming outfielders, the closest prospect outfielders are Brandon Moss and David Murphy. After that it's Jacoby Ellsbury, Luis Soto (who was converted from shortstop) and Jeff Corsaeletti.

I actually made my Top 20 Boston Red Sox Prospects list, but I'm waiting to debut it. It's a very exciting moment!

OverTheMonster.com

by Randy Booth on Dec 20, 2005 2:55 PM EST up reply actions

not much power

Moss is probably out best power prospect, but it is hard to see him becoming a star. He hit for a high average in both stops in 2004, but his other 3 stops are all BA < 270. He looks more like the second coming of Troy OLeary.

Murphy looks like a fourth OF to me. He hasn't shown a particularly good eye, has some speed, but is not a burner, some power, but not a real power hitter and only hit > 280 in short season A. And he is already 24 and has not played above AA.

Ellsbury is a speedster who underwhelmed me when I saw him play several times this year. I am not convinced that he can be much more than a Juan Pierre.

Soto is already 22, has not played hi-A yet and only has 17 HR in 225 career minor league games.

Corsaletti could develop low teens power, but he is a long way from major league ready and is also 22. He could be the other corner OF for us.

I don't have any problem with signing a Boras guy. The media makes him out to be a monster,but he just tries to maximize $ for his players (and thus for him). Remember that most of the Braves over the last decade have been Boras clients and it hasn't really been disruptive to them. You just have to be willing to say no and walk away if he overprices his people, as he is with Damon.

by cdamon @ Over the Monster on Dec 20, 2005 3:37 PM EST up reply actions

RE:

I don't have high hopes for Moss. He was rated high going into 2005, but he just didn't show it for me to be on his bandwagon.

Murphy, however, seems to be on the upswing. I kind of feel he'll have a big year at AAA this season.

Ellsbury is a guy that really needs to be watched this year. Will he hit for average? Will he continue to get on base? We know he can run and steal, he just needs those other two aspects to really be a player.

I'm questionable on Soto, but he does have the talent to be a good player. He's only 20, by the way (born Dec. 7th, 1985).

I think Corsaletti will have a nice season in '05. It will be hard to top what he did in his short time last season, but I still think he'll hit well. I think he'll start the year in Portland considering he had the stats and four years of college ball under his belt. 2005 will be the big test for Corsaletti.

OverTheMonster.com

by Randy Booth on Dec 20, 2005 3:55 PM EST up reply actions

Soto's age

I took his age off of baseball cube, but it looks like they have blended 2 players name Luis Soto, listing the b-date as 1983. But unless our Soto played both for the Sox and the mariners orgs this year, I think they are confused. Our Soto has the more power of the two (12 HR in 124 G vs 5 HR in 101 G). At age 20 and with slightly increased power, I like Soto much more.

by cdamon @ Over the Monster on Dec 20, 2005 8:34 PM EST up reply actions

RE:

Supposively Soto has power, but I don't think he's had the time to display that power. He hit 7 in 246 AB's with Lowell this season. Not bad, but he did nothing at Greenville.

OverTheMonster.com

by Randy Booth on Dec 20, 2005 9:04 PM EST up reply actions

Soto looked better than Ellsbury

in the half dozen Lowell games I saw.

As I said, I feel much better about what he did for Lowell if he is 20 than if he is 22.

He is a long way from being a likely contributor, but the odds improve significantly with the revised age.

by cdamon @ Over the Monster on Dec 20, 2005 9:16 PM EST up reply actions

Save Damon?

I'm like the rest of you, I'd love to see JD back in a Sox uniform come April, but not at the price he's asking for.

Last year about this time, I believe I read some place that JD was satisfied with his career now that he had a ring, and wouldn't mind retiring. I'm wondering if this is equal to Suicide by Police? If he doesn't get what he's asking for, no biggy, if he does, yeah baby?!!!

The Red Head

by the red head on Dec 20, 2005 3:10 PM EST reply actions

RE:

It may not be a big deal to Damon if he gets the 7yr/84 mill contract, but I'm sure it is to Boras. That man won't be satisfied completely until he earns his rightful percentage.

OverTheMonster.com

by Randy Booth on Dec 20, 2005 3:25 PM EST up reply actions

just say no

I like Johnny. We even share a last name. But ...

My biggest concern with signing him is his defense. His speed is definitely going and I wonder how much longer he will be a legitimate CF. He doesn't have the arm to play right and really doesn't have the bat to be a premier LF.

I also wonder how his personality will translate to diminishing skills and potentially part time play by the end of the contract. Some players, especially gamers like Damon, have a tough time admitting that they are no longer star caliber players as they age.

by cdamon @ Over the Monster on Dec 20, 2005 3:41 PM EST up reply actions

RE:

Not an old topic at all. We've actually never touched amphetamines with specific players on the Red Sox.

Amphetamines may make a huge impact in '06, though.

OverTheMonster.com

by Randy Booth on Dec 20, 2005 7:37 PM EST reply actions

Johnny

Whats this all about?Now we are saying johnny's taking roids?Lots of players have defended them that doesnt mean they are doing them does it?I want to see Damon resigned hes a great player and at least when his shoulder was banged up he still wanted to play...He wasnt a cry baby like other ball players.I agree we should see the true talent of players without the hyped up benifits of roids, but Damon wheres the proof? I dont think 7 years is a good idea but i think 5 yrs would work. Maybe Im in the dark about this but i have heard nothing bout Damon taking roids...Schilling testified in front of congress on that does he do roids too.Sorry im so defensive but Damon and schilling are to of my fav.

Robin

by soxlover robin on Dec 20, 2005 10:00 PM EST reply actions

RE:

Steroids and amphetamines are two different things. Amphetamines are used to kind of 'perk' you up. They keep you going through a season. It's been reported that a large number, maybe 85%, of baseball use it to get through a 162 game season.

OverTheMonster.com

by Randy Booth on Dec 20, 2005 10:15 PM EST up reply actions

Amphetamines not roids

Amphetamines, while illegal without a prescription, have been widely abused in baseball for many decades, at least back to the mid-60's. There is little debate that more players abuse amphetamines than steroids.

The most recent revision to the drug testing policy included amphetamines in the tested substances for the first time. Historically amplehtamines are associated with players who go all out and tough it out through nagging injuries -- sound alot like Damon?

Amphetamines help you get over the pain, the aching body, the tiredness of the long season. It will be very interesting to see how many players wear down by the end of 2006. Some estimates place the number of players abusing amphetamines to 15-17 per team. I expect we will see some positive tests for amphetamines, which do carry mandatory suspensions, and some interesting lines in september as players wear down. Roster expansion may be more important this year than ever before.

by cdamon @ Over the Monster on Dec 20, 2005 10:16 PM EST up reply actions

uppers

I think that some people will be surprised by the effect of the amphetamine ban. I think we'll see averages drop, and more pitchers develop "Matt Clement Syndrome" (MCS) and fall apart after the all-star break. Perhaps more DL visits as well.

Resting players will be more important and teams with deeper benches will fare better.

"You know you're having a bad day when the fifth inning rolls around and they drag the warning track." - Mike Flanagan, Baltimore Orioles pitcher, 1992.

by SoxDevil on Dec 21, 2005 12:11 PM EST up reply actions