'Personification' of Red Sox now Yank

0 Comments | USA TODAY, December, 2005 | by Jorge L. Ortiz

The Boston Red Sox need not worry that Johnny Damon will put a curse on them on his way out of town. The team is already hearing enough of those from its own fans.

As if losing one of their most popular players weren't painful enough, the Red Sox were dealt a double setback when Damon agreed to a free agent contract with the New York Yankees, also known around Fenway Park as the Evil Empire. According to the Associated Press, the deal is for four years and $52 million.

As the Red Sox's leadoff hitter and center fielder, Damon was the catalyst of an offense that led baseball with 910 runs last season and his defensive range helped make up for the shortcomings of left fielder Manny Ramirez.

"He was signed in the middle of December 2001, and since that time...