"A's general manager Billy Beane said Friday that he's hoping to sign a designated hitter to anchor the middle of the lineup.

He declined to address Manny Ramirez or Magglio Ordonez — two players who have been linked to the A's — but his comments were the most specific he's been on the record about wanting to add an impact bat.

"With our middle of the lineup, there's obviously a big hole," Beane said. "I think finding a guy that can hit in the fourth spot is not easy right now.""