Freddie Bynum is out of options, meaning the A's can't send him to the minors unless he clears waivers. The A's know that won't happen. They've fielded plenty of calls from teams eager to acquire Bynum and could make a deal. But they'd love to keep him. He can play the infield or outfield and would be an ideal pinch runner for designated hitter Frank Thomas late in games. Even Bynum's teammates are asking reporters almost daily how they can keep Bynum on the roster. But there's no spot for him on the opening-day roster, unless a trade is made or Bobby Kielty's strained oblique isn't healed. "Selfishly, for the organization, you want him to stay," manager Ken Macha said. "But if he gets claimed by somebody and gets a chance to play in the major leagues, he's the guy who put in the hard work to get himself ready. That's the idea of the rules. Make yourself attractive to other clubs."