Johnny Damon Offer

Johnny Damon was officially offered a three-year deal worth between $27 million and $30 million Thursday from the Boston Red Sox according to the Boston Red Sox homepage and the Boston Globe. The 33-year-old Red Sox center fielder who hit .316 in the 2005 season reportedly wants a longer deal. The Globe's Gordon Edes and Chris Snow say their is a possibility for a 4th year option in the deal. Damon has repeatedly shown interest in remaining in Boston. Damon said he feels he could play center field for another 4 or 5 years and then move into left field to finish off his career.

So much for the rumors about Damon coming to the Cubs. I could honestly care less either way. Damon's career .290 batting average would be of great help to the Cubs and give them the lead-off hitter they thought they were getting with Garciaparra, but let's face it. The Cubs are still struggling with their pitching. The team may have scored 703 runs, but they gave up 714 according to baseballreference.com. Comparing that to the Central Division champion St. Louis Cardinals 634 runs allowed shows the Cubs are in dire need of pitching before batters.


The way it looks right now, Damon will settle with the Red Sox, leaving many teams, especially the Cubs, disappointed. I can completely understand Damon's concern for a longer contract, but at the same time I would be hesitant to give him anything longer than 3 years with an option as they have. Damon's 2005 season was his 2nd highest batting average since he left the Kansas City Royals or the Sox in 2000 with a .320 average. Damon is a solid player and proves himself time and time again. The team has until December 7 to offer him arbitration. If they fail to offer it, dealings with the Sox will cease until May 11.

The Red Sox should go ahead and offer him arbitration if he fails to accept the current deal. Worst case scenario, Damon gets more money than originally planned. With the Sox looking to unload Manny Ramirez this year there should be extra money in the near future anyway.

As a Cubs fan and a Red Sox fan I would rather see Damon stay in Boston. Damon is not going anywhere for a cheap price. No Damon in Chicago means more money that can be devoted to pitching. Not to mention the Sox would be losing two outfielders rather than one. (pending a Ramirez trade.)