The Athletics are inching toward signing Mike Piazza, rumored to be a two-year contract for about $15 million. Assistant general manager David Forst, who arrived from Oakland late Monday afternoon and will hold down the fort until GM Billy Beane shows up on Wednesday, would not say if there is an actual offer on the table. But it could be just a matter of days before Thomas' replacement is in place. "I think we will know more by the end of the week," Forst said.