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Red Sox Veterans Would Have Liked to See Johnny Damon Return to Boston

A couple of Red Sox veterans were a little upset to find out that Tigers outfielder Johnny Damon wouldn’t be coming to Boston after the veteran vetoed a move that would have him returning to the Red Sox.

Jason Varitek and Jonathan Papelbon spoke with the media before Tuesday’s game upon hearing the news, and while both understood, they both wished that Damon could have re-joined them in Boston.

“Once again, I don’t know the particulars of what he’s had to base his decision on,” Varitek said. “It would have been a big addition to our team with what he can do.”

“I know Johnny’s going to do what’s best for him and his family,” said Papelbon. “I’ve always admired Johnny since I came here in ’05 and he was one of the players who took me under his wing and kind of showed me the ropes of the big leagues, so I wish him nothing but the best.”

NESN’s Tom Caron and Hall of Famer Peter Gammons discussed what Damon’s return would have meant to the team and what kind of reception he would get returning in a Red Sox uniform.