--3B Eric Chavez will not appear in any Cactus League games until at least March 3, according to trainer Steve Sayles. Chavez, who had surgery on his right shoulder in August, is participating in all aspects of camp, including throwing to first base. With an extra week of spring, the team didn't see the point of rushing things.

--2B Mark Ellis will not play second base in a Cactus League game until at least March 25, according to trainer Steve Sayles. Ellis, who had surgery on his right shoulder in September, is taking part in batting practice and can swing pain-free, so he could DH in games or get at-bats in minor league games before he takes the field in spring contests. He still expects to be ready to play on Opening Night.

--RHP Brad Ziegler was officially selected to play for the United States in the World Baseball Classic and he will leave the A's on March 1. Oakland's only concern after the last WBC was that closer Huston Street might not have had enough work, and manager Bob Geren said that if that happens again with Ziegler, he'll get a few more outings in the final week or so of spring training.

BY THE NUMBERS: 63 -- The most players the A's have had in camp since Billy Martin's famed 1982 free-for-all camp of 80-plus players.

QUOTE TO NOTES: "I said, 'Listen, I don't do balloons and stuff like that. I don't do parties and shows. But we're going to have a lot of fun.'" -- A's designated hitter Jason Giambi on being greeted by a group of enthusiastic and very young teammates.