Almost 15 years ago, Boston’s beloved hurler Rodger Clemens signed with the New York Yankees after 13 memorable seasons in Fenway Park. Only seven years later, Boston’s 2004 World Series center fielder, Johnny Damon, abandoned the Sox for the “pinstripes” (and $52 million).  Just this week, Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox center fielder and face of the team, joined the Yankee train, by accepting a seven-year deal to move to the Bronx.

Ellsbury’s contract ties him down to New York until the 2021 season and will net him $153 million. This deal, along with the acquisition of Brave’s catcher Brian McCann, brings the Yankee’s free agent total this year to a staggering $238 million (McCann’s five-year deal cost $85 million).  This pair of deals is only the beginning of what Yankee management and fans feel is necessary to regain the team’s status as the premier team in the league.

Ellsbury finished the 2013 with a .298 batting average and 34 stolen bases throughout Boston’s road to the pennant. While all good things must come to an end, Ellsbury’s move to New York may very well be what the Bronx Bombers need to push themselves back into the playoffs.