Red Sox Will Have To Beat The Betting Odds Without Damon

Johnny Damon was one of the players that helped turn a century of losing into a baseball juggernaut. Damon helped lead the red Sox to their first World Series championship in a lifetime, and became a cult hero around Boston.

Then, Damon quickly turned into the enemy. Upon entering free agency, Damon chose to sign with the hated Red Sox rivals, the New York Yankees. The outfielder was instantly vilified around Boston, and fans took shots at him for the next several years while he played in the Bronx.

Last off season, Damon learned that he was not in the Yankees future plans, and signed with Detroit. The Tigers were poised to make a run in the American League Central, but injuries depleted the team and they quickly fell out of contention. That led to Damon being placed on waivers this week.

The Red Sox claimed Damon in what some believed was a ploy to keep him away from the Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays. On Tuesday, Damon learned that the Red Sox were sincere in their claim, but the outfielder burned Boston once again by invoking his no-trade clause.

Boston is now left to head into the stretch run trying to beat heavy betting odds against them. The Yankees are the favorites to win the division and the World Series. The Rays are playing the best ball in the division, and are tied with New York for the division lead.

The Red Sox have enough time to make up the five and a half games they are behind New York, but injuries may derail their chances. Kevin Youkilis is gone for the season, and Dustin Pedroia headed back to the disabled list late last week. Damon would have filled a big need for another outfielder down the stretch, but on Tuesday he acknowledged that he would be staying in Detroit.

August 24, 2010
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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