Damon rejects Red Sox, stays with Tigers

DETROIT - Johnny Damon is staying in Detroit.

The 36-year-old outfielder decided to pass up a chance to return to the Red Sox, rejecting their waiver claim and choosing to remain with the Tigers.

"These guys really like me here," Damon said Tuesday, adding he spoke to each of his teammates individually to be sure he was wanted in the Tigers' clubhouse.

Damon was popular in Boston when he helped the Red Sox win the 2004 World Series to end an 86-year drought. With his long hair and beard, he was part of the group of Red Sox players who called themselves the "Idiots."

He fell out of favor, however, with many Boston fans when he later became a free agent and joined the Yankees.

"Considering the buzz that Johnny created for many years here, one of the original 'Idiots' of the World Series champions here, I thought it would be a great idea. But sometimes the ideas of others are not the same as the person who actually has to be in the situation," Red Sox outfielder Mike Cameron said.

Damon's contract gives him veto power over trades to all but eight teams. Because the Red Sox weren't one of those clubs, he was able to block the move.

Damon said he was leaning toward staying put from the beginning.

He texted former Red Sox teammate Jason Varitek and talked to David Ortiz, and both tried to convince him to return to Boston.

"They told me they wanted a spark," Damon said.

After going 1-for-3 last night, Damon is hitting .273 with seven home runs and 41 RBIs in 113 games, 70 of them as a DH.- AP