"I just heard from a source close to the negotiations that DH Jack Cust will return to the A's on a one-year deal worth just over $2.5 million, with incentives that can push the total to close to $3 million.

So the A's will have at least some pop in their lineup next year; Cust has led the team in homers in each of the past three seasons and the next highest total on the current roster was Kurt Suzuki's 15.

With even more outfielders around this year after Coco Crisp signed as a free agent, Cust almost assuredly will be a DH only; defense is not his strength. The A's might have another left-handed hitting DH option, however, if Eric Chavez cannot return to third base after his second back surgery."