Left-handed relievers generally sign quickly in free agency, and the pattern seemed likely to continue in mid-November when the Yankees struck a quick deal with Damaso Marte and the Giants did the same with Jeremy Affeldt.
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Instead, a number of lefty specialists have lingered on the market, but several could reach deals before pitchers and catchers start reporting to spring training at week's end.
Will Ohman, who has received three offers in the past 48 hours and four overall, according to a major-league source, is expected to reach a decision Wednesday or Thursday.
Joe Beimel again is drawing interest from the Dodgers, for whom he pitched the last three seasons, sources say.
Dennys Reyes, another target of the Dodgers, also is on the A's radar. But the A's intend to preserve their remaining dollars for a run at free-agent shortstop Orlando Cabrera.
In other Hot Stove news, don't count on the A's sending Bobby Crosby to the Padres if they sign Cabrera. The Padres plan to stick with Luis Rodriguez rather than pursue Crosby, who will earn $5.25 million next season.
The second-base market, meanwhile, remains unusually deep -- Orlando Hudson, Mark Grudzielanek and Ray Durham remain free agents, and Adam Kennedy joined that group after his release by the Cardinals this week
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