--DH Jason Giambi rejoined his original club, signing a one-year deal worth a guaranteed $5.25 million. He will make $4 million this year, and the team holds a $6.5 million option for 2010 that includes a $1.25 million buyout. Giambi is expected to get the bulk of his time at DH, at least initially, with Jack Cust playing in the outfield rather than DH'ing.
--1B Daric Barton remains Oakland's starting first baseman, according to manager Bob Geren. Barton could be pushed at the position, however, with the signing of former Oakland first baseman Jason Giambi. If Barton gets off to another bad start, Giambi could get more time there. There is also interest in Barton around the majors, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. --DH/OF Jack Cust is expected to get the majority of his time in the outfield, at least to begin the season. Cust customarily hits 10-15 points higher when he plays the field, and Jason Giambi, recently signed, can handle the DH duties. Manager Bob Geren told the San Francisco Chronicle he is considering batting Cust second this season.
--3B Eric Chavez told the San Francisco Chronicle that his surgically repaired right shoulder feels the best it has "in 10 years" after several weeks of throwing. Chavez said his rehab has been smooth and he anticipates no difficulties in being ready by Opening Day. He's likely to hit fifth or sixth in the lineup, behind Jason Giambi.
--2B Mark Ellis, who had shoulder surgery in September, told the San Francisco Chronicle that he will begin throwing on Jan. 19. Ellis is expected to be ready by Opening Day. He had loose bodies removed from the shoulder and a labrum tear repaired.
BY THE NUMBERS: 112 -- Jason Giambi's 162-game season RBI average over the course of his major league career.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I feel like I'm marrying my ex-wife." -- A's general manager Billy Beane during a press conference to re-introduce onetime Oakland star Jason Giambi, signed to a one-year free-agent deal Jan. 7.
