--1B Daric Barton will be "a touch behind" the rest of the position players this spring, according to manager Bob Geren. Barton had hip surgery in September and he also had a tonsillectomy recently. Geren said that Barton is one of four players, along with Jason Giambi, Jack Cust and Travis Buck, who will be options for three spots in the lineup.

--RHP Russ Springer is a free agent consideration for Oakland, according to two online reports. The A's have interest in adding a veteran for their young bullpen, and Springer is 40, which would make him the oldest player on the roster should the sides agree to terms. Right-handed hitters batted .176 against Springer last year.

--2B Mark Ellis, who had shoulder surgery in September, began to throw on Jan. 19 and is doing well, according to manager Bob Geren. Ellis will be "close to ready" by Opening Day, Geren told reporters at a media session.

--3B Eric Chavez is performing all baseball activity following shoulder surgery in August, and manager Bob Geren said that he is getting good reports on the veteran. Chavez, who is entering his 11th full season with the A's, recently told the San Francisco Chronicle that he has no doubt that he will be able to return to third, a position where he has won six Gold Gloves.

BY THE NUMBERS: 21 -- The team-record number of rookies Oakland used in 2008. The A's could have few to none on the roster on Opening Day this year.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I know I haven't had the best couple of years, I'm not blind to that, but I know I can still play well. I've had success at this level and it just takes a tweak here and there. I haven't played to what the fans think I should play to and I haven't played to what I think I should play to, so I'm excited to work on this new stuff." -- SS Bobby Crosby on working with Mark McGwire, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.