Baseball: Yankees grab Damon from the Red Sox

BOSTON - 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 has reported.

The newspaper reported that Damon, one of Boston's most popular players, will receive US$52 million (NZ$76.5m) for a four-year contract.

The Globe said Damon confirmed his plans to move to a Boston television station. On its website, 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.

- REUTERS