Tuesday, January 24, 2006
USATODAY.com - Though richer with Yankees, Damon still sighs for Red Sox
Damon Still Talking About The Red Sox:
"'They just didn't show an interest or a desire in having me anymore,' he says. 'I was such an integral part of that team, too. When I got there it was 25 guys and 25 cabs. Everybody was doing their own thing.
'I helped change the culture there. I helped them win a world championship. I made a difference on the field and in the clubhouse.'
Yet, even though $40 million is a decent, if not extravagant, offer, Damon feels it was just enough for Boston to save face, but not save him from moving on.
'Believe me, if it wasn't the Yankees, there were a few other teams I could've signed with for more money than the Red Sox were offering. They didn't seem to care,' he said. 'Before I signed with the Yankees, I almost signed with Los Angeles, and Boston's attitude was like, 'Oh well. Big deal.'
'When that fell through, they still didn't make a move. I gave them every opportunity. I don't know, maybe they didn't believe me and that I would go somewhere else.'
Damon sighs.
'I tried with them. I really tried. You can look at it and say the money was so much better, but it wasn't just that.' "
-Red Sox Hot Stove Hub
"'They just didn't show an interest or a desire in having me anymore,' he says. 'I was such an integral part of that team, too. When I got there it was 25 guys and 25 cabs. Everybody was doing their own thing.
'I helped change the culture there. I helped them win a world championship. I made a difference on the field and in the clubhouse.'
Yet, even though $40 million is a decent, if not extravagant, offer, Damon feels it was just enough for Boston to save face, but not save him from moving on.
'Believe me, if it wasn't the Yankees, there were a few other teams I could've signed with for more money than the Red Sox were offering. They didn't seem to care,' he said. 'Before I signed with the Yankees, I almost signed with Los Angeles, and Boston's attitude was like, 'Oh well. Big deal.'
'When that fell through, they still didn't make a move. I gave them every opportunity. I don't know, maybe they didn't believe me and that I would go somewhere else.'
Damon sighs.
'I tried with them. I really tried. You can look at it and say the money was so much better, but it wasn't just that.' "
-Red Sox Hot Stove Hub
