DEPARTURES: LHP Dan Meyer (claimed off waivers by Marlins), LHP Greg Smith (traded to Rockies), RHP Huston Street (traded to Rockies), OF Carlos Gonzalez (traded to Rockies), LHP Alan Embree (free agent, signed with Rockies).

FREE AGENTS: DH Frank Thomas, OF Emil Brown, RHP Keith Foulke.

The A's have brought Thomas in twice, but they are placing a premium on health after two injury-riddled seasons, and Thomas is too much of a question mark in that regard. Brown and Foulke will not be back.

ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: None.

MEDICAL WATCH:

1B Daric Barton underwent surgery on his right hip Oct. 24. He faces a three-month rehab.

3B Eric Chavez had season-ending shoulder surgery on Aug. 13. He is expected to be ready for all baseball activity at the start of spring training -- at least on a limited basis. If he cannot play third after two procedures on his right shoulder, a move to first base is a possibility.

2B Mark Ellis had season-ending shoulder surgery on Sept. 19 and is expected to be completely ready for spring training.

RHP Justin Duchscherer experienced soreness in his surgically repaired right hip the final six weeks of the season. He had a minor cleanup procedure in September, and he expects to be fully healthy for spring training.

DH Frank Thomas missed much of the season because of a severe quadriceps injury, but it did not require surgery and the reoccurrence of the injury in late August turned out to be scar tissue and inflammation. He said he probably could have played the final few weeks of the season. Like Ellis, Thomas is a free agent, but unlike Ellis, there is little chance he will be re-signed by Oakland.

RHP Andrew Brown was shut down because of shoulder problems in early August. He did not require surgery and is expected to be ready for spring training after extensive rest and then a strengthening program this winter.