Full Count
A Furiously Updated Red Sox Blog
WEEI.com Blog Network
Johnny Damon clears the air about the Red Sox 12.08.10 at 5:17 pm ET
By

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Johnny Damon would love to come back to Boston.

J.D. has been around the Winter Meetings. I talked to him by phone earlier today about his interest in returning to Boston, as well as the reasons why he turned down an opportunity to return to the Sox last season.

J.D. wanted to make it clear that his decision to refuse the waiver claim by the Red Sox in August was never about the city of Boston, the Red Sox organization or the fans. There is no ill will there. It was solely about his desire to remain with a Tigers team that he loved. He loved the team, he loved his teammates, and he hoped to stay with the Tigers beyond 2010.

“You know me. I’ve always been extremely loyal to my teammates,” he told me. “A lot of them expressed their desire to keep me around. My intention was to return there this year, but they had other plans.”

Just because Johnny decided not to return last season, it doesn’t mean he’s closed the door. In fact, he’d love to come back.

“Obviously, I’d love to return to Boston,” he said. “I loved playing there, and I think it would be a perfect fit, with the chance to win again. I know I could do that in Boston.”

Physically, J.D. feels great. He spent a lot of last year as the Tigers DH. The only stress he put on his body was trying to score from first on doubles. He still feels like he can play left field regularly, and he feels like he can still hit against lefties.

It may be a long shot for the Red Sox to bring Johnny back. However, it was important for him and Red Sox Nation to know that the decision to stay in Detroit was never anything personal.

Read More: Detroit Tigers, Hot Stove, Johnny Damon, Print  |  Email  |  Bark It Up!  |  Digg It
  • Eric Bousquet

    I don’t believe him

  • John Brennan

    I agree with Eric. Seems mighty suspicious. If it were true he could have said that when he turned us down. He probably said it to the New York reporters about coming back to the Yankees. There is no fot here for you Johnny….move on Idiot!

  • http://Enteryourwebsite... Steve

    He is saying the same about playing for the Yankees and the Rays. He is just trying to get a job.

  • Dom

    He’s full of it! Last week’s story was that he had a bad ankle and turned the Sox down because he wouldn’t be able to help them. He’s just looking for a job and that shipped has sailed!!

  • Dom

    He’s full of it! Last week’s story was that he had a bad ankle and turned the Sox down because he wouldn’t be able to help them. He’s just looking for a job and that ship has sailed!!

  • Rob

    Johnny Damon is getting desperate because no one wants to sign him. He’s not hitting as well as he used to, he’s slower, and let’s face it: he never had much of an arm. Sox are more likely to keep Kalish around as a back up OF, he proved his worth this past year.

  • Dennis

    He’s just another spoiled athlete , who’s looking to make a few more million before he calls it quits ! What’s the matter Johnny ? The Yankees didn’t pay you enough when you went to play for them ? Give me a break !!!!

  • http://mlbtraderumors Scott B

    I agree with Rob, No arm, older, and just trying to find his job. His loyalty is like a Pitbull, and not of a shepard. He can turn on you for any reason. Thogh I will always keep a spot for him in Redsox nation for what he did for us in 2004. TY Johnny!

    • http://Enteryourwebsite... russ

      Damon is to sketchy for my liking, but referring to him as a pitbull bad. Pitbulls are extremely loyal I have 2 year old named youk.

  • kzone

    judas!

  • http://mlbtraderumors Scott B

    A pitbull is NOT as loyal as a Shepard , dude. LOL thats not the discussion anyhoo. But, what I was trying to say is that Damon wants money…not caring about WHERE he is, he’s an idiot.

  • http://mlbtraderumors Scott B

    I’ve known alot of people with pitbulls and they’ve ALL had issues with them. I read about dog attacks and the majority is pitbull related. I’ve owned 5 German Shepards and have never had as much as a growl towards me or family. Some are loyal but, MOST AINT. HAVE A GOOD NIGHT!

  • http://mlbtraderumors Scott B

    By the way, Youk is an AWESOME name for a dog!!

  • Babe Ruth

    Just what the Sox need another outfielder that sucks

  • http://mlbtraderumors Scott B

    I’d rather have Manny back….LOL JOKE!! Or how about Carl Everett? Maybe Jose Canseco… LOL my point is Damon has knifed us before, he’d do it again. Wait! Wait! Wait! How about Kevin Millar…he could COWBOY us up! He was the real friend the Sox let get away, and Nomar. Tell you wat, I like Ryan Kalish. He’s going to be huge!

  • Robert

    How bout the Sox being bullheaded and refusing to pony up a little more to retain a guy who played his heart out for 4 years, hit two of the most clutch and thrilling home runs in game seven of 2004. I’ll bet you were jumping up and down in your living room when he hit the 1st majestic 2 run shot and more so when hit the grand slam.This guy brought so much joy to NE with two strokes of his bat. What do the RS do. Nickel and dime him, giving him no choice but to accept the better offer in NY. Then,o9ver the next four years, he goes out and proves Theo and freinds as being stupid and cheap with four excelent seasons for THEM! If this Crawford rumor isn’t true, I’d love to have him back in LF.It’s not always the player being a traitor. It ussually is the team.

  • animalsbrother

    If Johnny wants a job he should practice saying pppppppapper or pppppplastic mmmmmiss

  • Jack

    J.D.

  • Jack

    J.D. is only lokking to restore the luster of ’04 who can blame him. he misses the fan reaction to his every move, every at bat, every post game interview. he had his chance to return and what ever “reason” he chooses to give, it.s over. sox dont need another wannabe back in beantown player move on take what you can get,and ride off into the sunset wondereing what may have been had you not jumped in 06

  • Angry John

    How insightful of Lou to write that it was important to Damon and the Nation to clear the air.

    C’mon man, nobody cares but him trying to get a big market club to overpay his geriatric ass.

    He problably found out that Boston has better plastic surgeons, as his wife (the steakhouse hostess, wink), is due for her 100,000 boob tuneup.

  • Adrien

    blablablablabla…

    He is trying to get a job and he won’t find it in Boston. That’s a fact.

  • Evergreen Monster

    I just threw up in my mouth a little.

  • Zack

    Alas, Johnny tried taking on the FO’s of the two biggest teams in baseball…and ended up losing both times. Perhaps if he had remembered Boras worked for him and not the other way around then he may have had more success.

  • Bleeds Red

    ABSOLUTELY NO FREAKIN’ WAY. Johnny Damon (liar liar pantsonfire) needs to go find another team. I could NEVER watch a Sox game and cheer for Damon ever again. It’s so much more fun to root against him and insult his mother. He is a tool, with zero class, and even less credibility. He’s a waste of an OF/DH opportunity.

    Honestly? I hope he rots in hell.

    Nobody wants you, loser.

  • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t-T8Tsb450 mass money makers jv

    very cool site. Filled me with a far better knowledge these current economic climate. Thank you mate

  • http://www.buypoloshirtonline.com polo outlet

    Companies shouldn’t refuse this opportunity to distinguish their employees from them surroundings in any industry.

  • http://classic-weathervane.onsugar.com/Show-Me-Money-20157643 weathervane

    It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt donate to this outstanding blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will share this website with my Facebook group. Talk soon!

Red Sox Box Score
Red Sox Schedule
Baseball Analytics Blog
Red Sox Headlines
Down on the Farm
Red Sox Minor League News
Red Sox Team Leaders
MLB Headlines
Tips & Feedback

Verify