Over the last 24 hours we’ve heard Johnny Damon’s reluctance to go back to his old team and make an attempt to win a championship.

“My teammates are making decision easier by saying they want me to stay,” Damon said yesterday. “There’s a reason you put clauses in your contract – this one (Sox not on list of 8 to which he’d agree to be traded) is a huge one. If they want me to stay, teammates normally win. My heart tells me I’m a Tiger. That’s kind of where I’m leaning.”

I firmly believe that Damon is trying to create leverage for himself through the media in order to get additional compensation to waive his no-trade clause. Why do I say this?

• His heart may be a Tiger, but for another million dollars, his heart could change its mind.
• Another playoff run would add to his Hall of Fame chances, and the Tigers are not going anywhere this October.
• He’s familiar with Boston, so two months back in a city that he’s familiar in shouldn’t bother him.
• He’s a free agent after the season. A good run with a playoff-caliber team could showcase him for future employers.
• He’ll have the chance to spoil the New York Yankees’ chance at repeating as World Series champs.

Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated said that Billy Wagner, last year “initially balked” at accepting a waiver claim to the Red Sox last year before arrangements were made. It seems like Damon is trying to do the same thing.

Damon currently has a no-trade clause that prevents him from being traded to the Red Sox, so compensation could be made in order for Damon to waive the stipulation.