--3B Eric Chavez told the San Francisco Chronicle that he expects to be fully recovered from right shoulder surgery by the end of December. Chavez, who has missed much of the past three seasons with injuries, had back surgery and two shoulder surgeries last winter, and he had more work done on his shoulder in August. The A's are hopeful that he can return to the position where he has won six Gold Gloves, but first base could be an option.
--2B Mark Ellis signed a two-year deal worth a guaranteed $11 million rather than opting for free agency after the World Series. The team holds a $6 million option for 2011. Ellis had arthroscopic shoulder surgery last month, but he is expected to be ready in time for spring training. --SS Bobby Crosby's status could be affected by the team's decision to bring back veteran 2B Mark Ellis. Crosby will be a free agent after the 2009 season, and with one veteran middle infielder (Ellis) in place, it's possible that the rebuilding A's will look to trade Crosby this winter and give rookie Cliff Pennington a shot at shortstop. Adrian Cardenas also could get a look there next year.
--RHP Justin Duchscherer said that the hip trouble he had near the end of the season was the result of loose cartilage, which he had cleaned up in a minor procedure at the end of September. Duchscherer, who had the labrum repaired in the same hip (his right) and the femur shaved down in July 2007, said that he will be completely healthy for spring training and should not be limited in any way. The 30-year-old is the only veteran in Oakland's rotation.
--LHP Alan Embree will hear by the end of October or early November whether the A's will pick up his $3 million option for 2009. Embree, 38, is the only member of the Oakland bullpen with significant service time, apart from closer Huston Street, who is likely to be traded this offseason. Embree was 2-5 with a 4.96 ERA last season, but he typically has followed poor seasons with excellent seasons.
BY THE NUMBERS: 4 -- First-time free agents the A's have signed in the Billy Beane era: OF Jermaine Dye, LHP Ricardo Rincon, 3B Eric Chavez, 2B Mark Ellis.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Not to sound like a total cheeseball, but you see what the Rays have done this year and what the Rockies did last year, and it's not out of line to think we can compete and do well soon." -- 2B Mark Ellis, in the San Francisco Chronicle, just two days before his two-year contract was announced.
