"The Giants pledged no "big splash," and the A's put free-agent spending on hold because Major League Baseball continues to keep them on hold, 33 months into its supposed ballpark probe.

So how are these teams going to fill their outfields?

The A's have as many as three open spots, the Giants at least one. The winter meetings begin Monday in Dallas, and both teams hope to return home Thursday with better outfield depth or at least a good idea on how to attain it.

As it stands, Melky Cabrera, a Giant all of four weeks, is the only guy on either side of the Bay with a set job in 2012, whether it's in center or left. Nate Schierholtz is a decent choice for right, and a third outfielder could come through free agency, perhaps Carlos Beltran.

The A's have a different strategy: trades. David DeJesus is a Cub, and Josh Willingham, Coco Crisp and Hideki Matsui figure to go elsewhere, too. To replace them, the A's are open to moving any pitcher - including starter Gio Gonzalez and closer Andrew Bailey, both All-Stars - if it means improving the offense.

The A's are seeking young outfielders, preferably nobody close to free agency, as Carlos Quentin, B.J. Upton and Nick Swisher are. Asked if any of his pitchers are untouchable, A's assistant general manager David Forst said, "I wouldn't rule anybody out.""