Yankees grab Damon from the Red Sox

BOSTON (Reuters) – Boston Red Sox center fielder Johnny
Damon, who helped the team capture its first World Series title
in 86 years in 2004, will move to the New York Yankees, the
team’s archrival, the Boston Globe reported on Tuesday.

The newspaper reported that Damon, one of Boston’s most
popular players, will receive $52 million for a four-year
contract.

The Globe said Damon confirmed his plans to move to a
Boston television station. On its Web site, the Globe quoted
Damon as saying that the Yankees pursued him “aggressively.”

For the Yankees the speedy 32-year-old Damon will replace
Bernie Williams, whose defensive skills have declined in recent
years.

Damon, who will be a leadoff hitter in New York, batted
.316 with 197 hits and 117 runs scored for the Red Sox last
season.

A two-time All-Star, Damon has a career .290 batting
average over his 11 major league seasons.

The deal will be sealed after Damon passes a physical exam.