The Oakland Athletics and manager Bob Geren agreed Tuesday on a one-year contract extension, with a club option for 2011. 

The following is an excerpt from Jeff Pearlman's new book, "The Rocket That Fell to Earth", now available from HarperCollins. 

--3B Eric Chavez (right shoulder) told reporters he hopes to get into a game within a week. 

Oakland has an interest mix of young (notably the rotation and much of the bullpen) and old, including free agent acquisition Jason Giambi, who won an MVP award while with the A's in 2000. 

Oakland's bullpen appears to be set, although neither of the team's two closers has been on the mound for the A's recently. 

Paul Bako had four hits and three RBIs even though he had his first at-bat in the sixth inning, and the Chicago Cubs roughed up Dana Eveland in a 20-5 win over the Oakland Athletics on Monday. 

Ozzie Guillen was angry. 

Oakland Athletics manager Bob Geren is close to striking a deal with the club for a contract extension. 

Oakland Athletics manager Bob Geren is close to striking a deal with the club for a contract extension. 

Oakland Athletics manager Bob Geren is close to striking a deal with the club for a contract extension. 

Travis Ishikawa doesn't want San Francisco Giants fans to get too excited about his power production this spring. 

Mike Sweeney's chances of making the Seattle Mariners' roster on opening day keep improving. 

Mike Sweeney's chances of making the Seattle Mariners' roster on opening day keep improving. 

Mike Sweeney's chances of making the Seattle Mariners' roster on opening day keep improving. 

Eric Chavez has been cleared to take batting practice for the first time in nearly two weeks.