Notes: Damon, Manny, Boomer in limbo

12/13/2005
BOSTON -- While the Red Sox general manager situation has finally been resolved, the status of free agent center fielder Johnny Damon and superstar slugger Manny Ramirez (who wants to be traded) remains in limbo.
Red Sox president/CEO Larry Lucchino indicated that he would continue to play a prominent role, along with co-general manager Jed Hoyer, in negotiations with Damon and agent Scott Boras.
"There has been contact with the Red Sox and Scott in the last few days," said Hoyer. "We continue to talk, we want Johnny to come back here. Those negotiations are ongoing."
As for Ramirez, he was reportedly offered to the Orioles for Miguel Tejada, but it remains unknown if Baltimore will deal their superstar shortstop.
"The discussions about Manny's trade possibilities go on almost daily," said Lucchino. "We've had plenty of discussion on that front. Certainly the Tejada rumor fueled some further speculation, but we're not going to go into specific trade details."
Left-hander David Wells also asked to be traded and the Red Sox continue to explore the market for the veteran.
"I know Craig Shipley has talked to David Wells a few times," said Hoyer. "We are going to look to move David, but for a 15-game winner, a left-hander, in a staring pitching market, we're going to expect a fair return."
Shortstop search continues: Amid rumors of trying to get Tejada, the Red Sox continue to tackle the free agent market at shortstop. Alex Gonzalez -- who has spent his entire career with the Marlins -- is probably the best of a thin crop.
"We have a list," said Hoyer. "I think when we made that trade [of Edgar Renteria], we certainly opened up a hole. That's not something you want to do. We just felt like the opportunity to get Andy Marte is rare."
As for first base, Hoyer indicated that the best option might be to stay in-house.
"We have two very good corner bats, and now a third with Andy Marte," Hoyer said. "I think that first base, sure, we'd like to add another corner bat but that's hardly a pressing thing. We have [Kevin] Youkilis, we have [Mike] Lowell, now we have Marte.
"We're in a great situation. There's nothing better than having surplus. As of today, I think Marte would start the year in Pawtucket. The guy just did turn 22 years old. He was a college junior last year playing Triple-A. That's pretty special."
Record-setting ticket sales: The Red Sox shattered a previous club record, set a year ago, as more than 200,000 tickets were sold during the first weekend of sales for the 2006 season.
"Seeing the fans' enthusiasm, cheerfulness, and commitment is inspiring," Lucchino said. "The degree to which they care about every aspect of our organization is nothing short of remarkable. You can characterize our reaction by using the same phrase that John Henry used about Fenway Park back in March: It never gets old."
Tito does the Pops: Red Sox manager Terry Francona will narrate 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' at the 22nd annual Boston Pops' Christmas benefit concert on Wednesday night.
Francona, who recently underwent knee replacement surgery, has made a speedy recovery after spending a couple of weeks on crutches.

Source: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/