Johnny can come marching home again, but only on the cheap.
The Yankees have spoken with Johnny Damon’s agent, Scott Boras, in recent days about the possibility of a Bronx encore for the outfielder — even though club officials aren’t exactly holding their breath.
With only $2 million or so remaining in the Yankees’ budget (perhaps a few extra dollars would be available in incentives), Damon is expected to say “No” one final time and hope for a better offer elsewhere.
An Internet report yesterday indicated Damon had been given the weekend to decide on returning. However, general manager Brian Cashman denied that was the case.
“There is no deadline,” Cashman said. “We’ll spend when we feel comfortable.”
In a text message to The Post, Damon indicated he was vacationing and not aware of a deadline. More likely, Boras gave the Yankees a deadline of this weekend to make their final offer.
If the season started today, Brett Gardner would be the team’s left fielder — or perhaps Curtis Granderson, with Gardner in center — but the Yankees also are expected to add free-agent depth from a pool that includes Reed Johnson, Xavier Nady and Jermaine Dye.
The 36-year-old Damon originally sought a two-year deal worth $20 million from the Yankees, but it appears he’ll have to settle for one year wherever he lands. The possibility remains strong that he might be without work by the start of spring training — Boras has a history of waiting.
The Giants and Braves are two teams to which Damon has been linked, but given his history of leg problems, he seems better suited to sign a contract with an American League team.
The Tigers also have been mentioned as a possibility.