Johnny Damon's gone...

...and I don't care.

The Yankees totally overpaid for Damon, offering him $52 over four years. There's no way Johnny's worth that much, especially in years three and four of the deal. He's a great leadoff hitter and solid defensive centerfielder, but not irreplaceable.

Torii Hunter is not the same player, but he could be a good short-term solution. Coco Crisp, Jeremy Reed, Juan Encarnacion are also possibilities. I also think the Sox will talk to the Braves about Andruw Jones if the braves don't contend this year, and will talk more seriously in the winter of 2006.

But please, remember to breathe. It's a tough loss for the Sox, but not insurmountable.