Damon back in Fenway

[ISiddiqui]

I just don't get it. Red Sox fans yelling and booing at Damon because he was "a sellout" (as one sign said) because he followed the money? How do Red Sox fans think THEY got Damon? Hint, it was because the Sox offered more money than Oakland.

Why can't Red Sox fans be honest and say the reason they boo is because Damon went to the Yankees, not because he wanted more money.

[Captain2711]

It's just a matter of hating the uniform. I think most fans would rather the player have the same passion/hatred that they do for the enemy and not change sides. Bottom Line: Sox lead 1-0

[ChiMatt]

I was watching the game too. The crowd started out booing when he came up but it quickly turned to mostly cheers. He even tipped his cap to the crowd. Nice to see on both sides.

I think most people are upset that he went to the Yanks regardless of his reasons.

[Logan]

I just don't get it. Red Sox fans yelling and booing at Damon because he was "a sellout" (as one sign said) because he followed the money? How do Red Sox fans think THEY got Damon? Hint, it was because the Sox offered more money than Oakland.

Why can't Red Sox fans be honest and say the reason they boo is because Damon went to the Yankees, not because he wanted more money.

Sorry, but in my own definition of a "sellout," it isn't just about money. It's about selling out your own team for their rival (only months after you said you wouldn't).

[Karlifornia]

These days, going to the Red Sox would be just as much of a "sellout" as going to the Yankees. The Yankees may have the most bloated payroll, but Boston ain't exactly small market.

[molson]

I just don't get it. Red Sox fans yelling and booing at Damon because he was "a sellout" (as one sign said) because he followed the money? How do Red Sox fans think THEY got Damon? Hint, it was because the Sox offered more money than Oakland.

Why can't Red Sox fans be honest and say the reason they boo is because Damon went to the Yankees, not because he wanted more money.

It's pretty amazing how you can tell what Red Sox fans think just by listening to a few thousand drunk college students on TV...But the reality is most Red Sox fans bear no ill will towards Damon, and are well aware that they've benefitted from being in a big market.

[molson]

Dola - There are Red Sox fans that bitch about Damon, but those are typically the casual, bandwagon fans that don't understand baseball economics (and yes, there are many of those)

[jeff061]

Yep, it's only because he went straight to the Yankees and nothing else.

[Desnudo]

Yep, it's only because he went straight to the Yankees and nothing else.

Yep, I think you misinterpret the sign. If he'd gone to Texas for the same money, no one would care.

[Crapshoot]

Sorry, but in my own definition of a "sellout," it isn't just about money. It's about selling out your own team for their rival (only months after you said you wouldn't).

And the team offers you $12 M less ? I'm amazed at the jealousy and hypocrisy of many. Look, it was in the best interest of both parties- Coco Crisp will be significantly better than Johnny over the next 4 years.

[Crapshoot]

It's pretty amazing how you can tell what Red Sox fans think just by listening to a few thousand drunk college students on TV...But the reality is most Red Sox fans bear no ill will towards Damon, and are well aware that they've benefitted from being in a big market.

Eh - I disagree to some extent - I think there are many who dislike him, though I do agree with you that a large portion understand the deal.

[Logan]

And the team offers you $12 M less ? I'm amazed at the jealousy and hypocrisy of many. Look, it was in the best interest of both parties- Coco Crisp will be significantly better than Johnny over the next 4 years.

I could give two shits about what Damon does, so watch who you call a jealous hypocrite. That said, I understand the blood, sweat and tears a fan puts into a team, which is merely composed of employees performing their job who don't have the ties that these fans do. Therefore, I understand how Red Sox fans could be upset.

[JS19]

I see where the Sox fans are coming from, but come on now, who wouldn't leave for 12 million more.

[sterlingice]

I loved the sign tonight that said "trader". Homophones are not your friends when making signs.

SI

[Logan]

I loved the sign tonight that said "trader". Homophones are not your friends when making signs.

SI

Shout-out to Theo for finally bringing back Mirabelli?

[cartman]

Beware the trees around SirFozzie's place...

:D

[Desnudo]

I see where the Sox fans are coming from, but come on now, who wouldn't leave for 12 million more.

Again, if he'd left for $12 million more and signed with the Twins, no one would care. People who are focusing on the money are missing the point. The $12 million is just a focal point. It's impossible to explain the somewhat antagonistic relationship between Boston (little brother with pretentions and delusions of grandeur) and NY (big brother with ego and arrogance) unless you grew up in the region. The Red Sox-Yankees are just part of it.

[Franklinnoble]

Beware the trees around SirFozzie's place...

:D

Never gets old, does it? :D

[ISiddiqui]

Again, if he'd left for $12 million more and signed with the Twins, no one would care. People who are focusing on the money are missing the point. The $12 million is just a focal point. It's impossible to explain the somewhat antagonistic relationship between Boston (little brother with pretentions and delusions of grandeur) and NY (big brother with ego and arrogance) unless you grew up in the region. The Red Sox-Yankees are just part of it.

Indeed... and I wish people would own up to that instead of carrying signs in Fenway with $. It wouldn't have mattered if Damon took a lesser offer from the Yankees... they would still have booed him.

While it makes a bit more sense to boo him for that, it's still dumb. After all, when you buy a mercenary, there is a good chance he'll skip town and if your greatest rival is the ATM of baseball, there is a good chance he'll skip town for them.