The Athletics are targeting free-agent outfielder Gabe Gross, major-league sources told FOX Sports. Gross, 30, has been with the Rays for the better part of the last two seasons. Oakland would likely use Gross as a reserve, leaving open the option of signing Johnny Damon as well.

The Athletics have agreed to a two-year, $5.25 million contract with reliever Michael Wuertz. The deal allowed the two sides to offer arbitration. The contract includes a club option for 2012.

The Athletics and free-agent pitcher Ben Sheets have agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth around $10 million, according to sources. Sheets missed the entire 2009 season following surgery on his right elbow.

The Athletics have some cash to spend and they could sign either free-agent pitcher Ben Sheets or outfielder Johnny Damon. The Oakland Tribune writes that Sheets appears to be the more likely option as the A's are considered major players for the right-hander.

Free-agent pitcher Ben Sheets is seeking $8 million annually, according to SI.com's Jon Heyman. The Athletics, Mets and Rangers remain interested in Sheets. The pitcher raised his value with what several scouts described as an excellent workout in Monroe, La.

Athletics prospect Grant Desme is retiring from the game of baseball to enter the priesthood. Desme was recently named the 2009 Arizona Fall League MVP and was considered one of the top prospects in Oakland's system. "We respect Grant's decision and wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors," A's general manager Billy Beane said in a statement.

Eric Chavez is coming off a slew of injuries with lowered expectations in the final season of his $66 million contract. "I don't have to be the star guy," said Chavez. "I don't have to be playing 155 games like I used to. Being healthy and enjoying myself is at the top of that list. If it means moving to first, or if I can't bend over and I have to move to the outfield, that's an option."

Eric Chavez isn't concerned that he'll essentially be a utility player for the Athletics if he is healthy this coming season. Oakland acquired Kevin Kouzmanoff this week, ending the six-time Gold Glove third baseman's hold on the position. "I've always been open to playing anywhere," Chavez said. "I've taken a lot of pride in being the best third baseman I can be, but I've never felt that third base is what I have to be."

The A's have acquired Kevin Kouzmanoff and a prospect from the Padres in exchange for Scott Hairston and Aaron Cunningham, according to a report from Susan Slusser's Twitter feed.

The Mets have claimed reliever Jay Marshall off waivers from the Athletics. Marshall, 26, was 0-2 with a 14.73 ERA in 10 relief appearances last season for Oakland and 5-3 with seven saves and a 3.20 ERA in 50 games with Triple-A Sacramento.