MLB

Damon, Cashman make peace

TAMPA — Johnny Damon and Brian Cashman met for about 10 minutes behind the batting cage yesterday, their first face-to-face since Damon’s contentious divorce from the Yankees.

Both men refused to divulge the content of the conversation. But both expressed appreciation that they were able to talk. During the conversation, each appeared amiable — often smiling — and the two parted with a hug.

“I just hope what is remembered is that I was proud to bring him here and that he was a huge part of how the roster was built, how the team played and succeeded, and how the clubhouse came together,” Cashman said. “He’s a great guy. I am glad we had a chance to visit.”

Negotiations between Damon and his agent, Scott Boras, and the Yankees turned into a nasty “he said, she said” affair, with both sides disputing the others’ chronology of events and statements. The Yankees contended they were serious about wanting to re-sign Damon, but that he was indicating a desire for more money and a longer term than they were willing to extend.

The Damon camp insists the Yankees never made good-faith attempts to retain Damon. The accounts of Cashman and Boras, in particular, clashed, and even Cashman said the tenor turned “loud.”

Damon and Cashman exchanged texts messages soon after Damon ultimately signed with the Tigers, but their first chance to talk in person was yesterday.

“Everything is good now,” Damon said. “No problems.”