Questionable motives

As a Red Sox fan I've tried not to question the decisions of the team's front office, namely general manager Theo Epstein, all that often. Sure he's made some bad calls (trading Bronson Arroyo for Willy Mo Pena, signing Daisuke Matsuzaka etc.) but he's also made some great decisions, World Series winning decisions (acquiring Curt Schilling, trading Nomar etc.).

Now however I'm left seriously questioning his decision to claim Johnny Damon off waivers. Remember this is the Johnny Damon who left Boston, and his godliness, behind for $12 million of slightly greener pastures in New York when the Sox were prepared to offer him a more than reasonable contract. More importantly this is the Johnny Damon who has struggled all year for Detroit.

Epstein's rationale — to prevent him from going to the Rays or back to the Yankees.

First, to educate those who may not know, after the July 31st non-waiver trading deadline, in order for players to be traded they must go on waivers for a period of 10 days. During that time any team may lay claim to them and it is then up to that players team to decide whether or not they want to trade them. Once that 10-day period elapses the team is free to trade that player to whomever they like. Often times, teams will claim players to prevent them from going to a rival as is the case with Damon.

But there in lies the danger, the Red Sox want nothing to do with Damon as a player, or at least they shouldn't. His skills are diminished and there is little he could likely contribute but because of the claim they could very well wind up saddled with him and his salary. Granted, Damon has a no-trade clause and he could block any trade himself, but what if he doesn't and he allows something to go through? Then the Sox are stuck with a washed up outfielder.

What really makes this move questionable and less than desirable is the fact that the Sox, though not mathematically eliminated are likely going to be on the outside looking in come playoff time. With so many injuries and a shaky pitching staff why would they want to risk trading younger talent for a guy who won't matter in the end? Better question, instead of trying to block a guy from going to a rival, why didn't the Red Sox try to acquire some talent before the deadline, another bat, more pitching, anything that could have made a difference?

Theo should have just kept his mouth shut and let this one go. It's not worth the risk.