Johnson Meets With Jays

After interviewing Wednesday with the Toronto Blue Jays, Davey Johnson says he wants to work with a calmer owner.

“I don’t want to get into any more controversy,” Johnson said Wednesday after meeting with Toronto GM Gord Ash. “I’ve had enough of that already.”

Johnson, 54, resigned as manager of the Baltimore Orioles last week following repeated clashes with team owner Peter Angelos.

Johnson stepped down the same day he was voted A.L. Manager of the Year.

Toronto, which fired Cito Gaston in September, also is considering minor-league manager Tim Johnson, broadcaster Buck Martinez and former Padres manager Larry Bowa.

Ash didn’t discuss Johnson’s interview. Johnson, too, did not discuss details of the interview but expressed interest in continuing the process.

Around the majors

Luis Sojo became the first of the 138 free agents to sign, agreeing to return to the New York Yankees for a $1.6 million, two-year contract… . Paul Assenmacher, 36, returned to the Cleveland Indians when he agreed to a two-year contract. … Infielder Dave Magadan came back to the Oakland Athletics, agreeing to a $500,000, one-year contract…. Tony Phillips’ agent has spoken to several clubs about Phillips, who last week pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor cocaine possession charge… . Free-agent catcher Carlos Hernandez agreed to remain with the San Diego Padres, signing a one-year, $650,000 contract.