"Outfielder Jonny Gomes, the pride of Petaluma, is nearing a deal that would bring him to the Bay Area for the 2012 season.

Gomes "could be in green and gold by Monday," one source with knowledge of the negotiations said Thursday, and another source confirmed that talks are serious.

Two other teams, however, are believed to be suitors for Gomes, potentially complicating matters as clubs try to fill their remaining roster spots before spring training camps open next month.

The A's have been looking at the free-agent market for outfield depth, and in particular for batters with good splits against left-handed pitchers. Gomes is a lifetime .281 hitter against lefties, compared with .224 against right-handers, making him a strong possibility to platoon with new A's outfielder Seth Smith, a career .290 hitter against right-handers but just a .202 hitter against lefties.

Should the sides come to terms, Gomes, 31, also could get at-bats at the DH spot, with the A's unsettled at that position."