"The A's avoided arbitration with two players expected to play key roles this season, agreeing to one-year contracts with third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff and outfielder Rajai Davis on Tuesday.

Kouzmanoff, obtained Saturday in a trade from the San Diego Padres, will make $3.1 million. Davis will get $1.35 million but can earn more if he hits incentives based on plate appearances.

The A's are left with one unsigned arbitration-eligible player - reliever Michael Wuertz, who made $1.1 million in 2009 and enjoyed a strong season as Oakland's setup man.

Teams were required to exchange salary figures Tuesday with their arbitration-eligible players. According to AOL Fanhouse, Wuertz asked for $2.9 million and the A's offered $1.9 million.

The sides can continue negotiating in the weeks ahead, and A's assistant general manager David Forst said he's optimistic the team will find middle ground with Wuertz and avoid a formal hearing in February.

Davis, who made $410,000 last season, hit .305 with 41 stolen bases and played his way into a starting role. He's likely to shift from center to left field this season to make room for Coco Crisp."