The Athletics have signed veteran right-handers Jason Jennings and Brett Tomko to Minor League contracts. Jennings owns a 62-74 lifetime record and 4.95 ERA in 225 games, including 180 starts, in nine big league seasons. Tomko's career line includes a 100-102 mark and 4.65 ERA in 389 games (266 starts) over 13 Major League seasons.

Rickey Henderson arrived at the spring training facilities of the A's on Saturday, where he will help teach the young team to steal bases. Oakland manager Bob Geren said Henderson's primary focus will be on stealing bases, but he won't be limited to just that.

Athletics pitcher Justin Duchscherer threw 20 pitches in a bullpen session before feeling the pain in his lower back and hip. "I have been through this so many times I don't panic anymore," Duchscherer said Wednesday. "I just go talk to the trainers and doctors and get their opinion." This time it led to a medical procedure Tuesday to relieve discomfort in his lower back. "I needed quite a bit of sedation," Duchscherer said. "They couldn't get me under enough Monday, that's why I had to wait until yesterday. They gave me some and it didn't work, so they gave me more and then I woke up and we were done."

Eric Chavez is trying to get comfortable at first base. Chavez worked out at the position for the first time on Tuesday. He won six gloves gloves for Oakland at third. "He needs to hit," manager Bob Geren said. "He needs to prove he's healthy and swinging the bat well."

The Athletics gave pitcher Ben Sheets a one-year, $10 million contract this winter even though he hasn't pitched since 2008. "Is there a risk? Sure," general manager Billy Beane says. "But if we didn't do it, having the cash in our hands wasn't going to do it, either. Listen, we've got a long way to go. We started on the outside rail and still feel that way." Sheets went 24-15 over the 2007 and 2008 seasons with the Brewers, posting two sub-3.89 ERAs.

The Athletics have released outfielder Willy Taveras. Taveras was acquired from the Reds along with infielder Adam Rosales for infielder Aaron Miles and a player to be named later on Feb. 1. He hit .240 with a home run and 15 RBI in 102 games with Cincinnati last year.

Two reports on Saturday indicated that the Athletics have agreed to terms with right-hander Michael Feliz out of the Dominican Republic. The Athletics have yet to confirm any agreement. It was reported that Feliz would get an $800,000 bonus with the deal pending a physical.

The Blue Jays have acquired pitcher Dana Eveland from the Athletics for a player to be named later. Eveland, 26, was designated for assignment by Oakland on Monday. He went 2-4 with a 7.16 ERA in 13 appearances and nine starts during three stints with the A's and was 8-6 with a 4.94 ERA in 21 starts at Sacramento during the 2009 season.

Because the Giants are attempting to retain their territorial rights in San Jose, they will likely take a hard line in negotiation talks with Tim Lincecum. The Giants don't want to be responsible for upsetting fellow owners by establishing a higher threshold for young players. When former managing partner Peter Magowan was running the club, the Giants paid their stars an appropriate star salary, but that appears to have already changed under Bill Neukom. The Giants are trying to block a move by the Oakland A's down to San Jose.

Athletics outfielder Travis Buck isn't sure what kind of role he'll have with the team this season. "It's crazy, right?" Buck told CSN Bay Area. "I have no idea what's going on. You tell me." Oakland has signed Coco Crisp and Gabe Gross and have been linked to free-agent Johnny Damon as well. They already have Rajai Davis and Ryan Sweeney. "I'm always going to try to take the high road, but this has definitely lit an even bigger fire under my a--," Buck said. "I'm gonna go into spring training with a vengeance and try to force their hand."