The Yankees have spoken with Johnny Damon’s agent in recent days about the possibility of a Bronx encore for the outfielder.
With $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.
A report today said 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 said he was vacationing and not aware of a deadline. More likely, agent Scott 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 (perhaps Curtis Granderson, with Gardner in center), but the Yankees are expected to add depth from a free-agent pool that includes Reed Johnson, Xavier Nady and Jermaine Dye.
Damon, 37, 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 Giants and Braves are two teams to which Damon has been linked, but given his history of leg problems he seems better suited for the American League. The Tigers have been mentioned as a possibility.