Today I read in a Newsday report, published in the Portland Press Herald, that Johnny Damon simply can't wait to join his new team. He's excited by the possibilities.

He also stated, "The reaction on the street has been overwhelming, and it hasn't been just the Yankee fans. It's been Boston fans, too. They're happy with what I gave them, and the Yankee fans, they're happy I'm not in Boston anymore."

Though I can't help but wonder what street Damon heard the sentiments, I finally have closure.

Yeah, I'm happy with what Damon brought to Boston's leadoff spot. His table-setting ability put a knife through the hearts of New Yorkers in 2004. No doubt, he'll forever be a part of that historic comeback and championship team.
And he'll forever be "The Caveman."

But now that he wears the pinstripes, cut the hair, shaved, and took the money, all I see is greed and arrogance. It's sad really. I mean he was the gritty, hard-working face of the Red Sox. Now he is fully conformed, in search of acceptance. And not just from Yankee players and fans, but from Red Sox Nation.

He's become THE story. Let's be clear Johnny. The Red Sox didn't decide your fate. You decided to leave.

So to every announcer who will cover the Red Sox-Yankee rivalry: Instead of referencing his two home runs in Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS, let's hear "Damon, who decided a 4-year contract with the Red Sox for $40 million wasn't enough money to warrant a return to the fans who continually forgave him for his terrible throwing arm during his four-year stretch with Boston, (take a breath) bats leadoff today for the Bronx Bombers."

It's a lot to say; he'll need a new nickname. Too bad Giambino is taken.

E-mail this entry to a friend