by Sports Xchange

Next year, the team will be adding a number of younger position players, and there are several spots that are question marks, particularly third base, where Eric Chavez's health remains an unknown after two back surgeries. The team is distinctly lacking in power, and there's a slim chance the A's could look to add a bat from outside the organization this winter, though it might be up to prospect Chris Carter to give the A's some pop.

Few Oakland free agents are expected back, although the team is likely to talk to INF Adam Kennedy and perhaps RHP Brett Tomko.

BIGGEST NEEDS: The A's were last in the league in home runs and slugging, so more power would be a plus. But it's unclear if the team will look within the organization (notably Chris Carter) or outside for an additional bat. If the team doesn't upgrade in the power department, look for Oakland to run even more next season.

FREE AGENTS: INF Adam Kennedy, RHP Justin Duchscherer, RHP Brett Tomko, INF Nomar Garciaparra, INF Bobby Crosby.

There is little chance that Duchscherer will return, given Oakland's emphasis on young starters, but the A's have some interest in having Kennedy come back and he has said he'd like to return. Tomko is likely to get better offers elsewhere, while Garciaparra is mulling retirement. The A's tried to waive Crosby last winter, so it is clear he will not be back.

ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: RHP Santiago Casilla, DH Jack Cust, OF Rajai Davis, RHP Joey Devine, OF Scott Hairston, RHP Michael Wuertz.

Casilla is a definite candidate to be non-tendered, and there is a small chance that Cust might be non-tendered.

IN LIMBO: With next year's outfield looking set, former right fielder Travis Buck is likely to be available.

MEDICAL WATCH:

RHP Joey Devine (Tommy John elbow surgery in April 2009) is expected to be ready for spring training.

3B Eric Chavez (back surgery in June 2009) is cautiously optimistic about returning to third base after his second operation in less than two years. He will resume baseball activity in December and is expected to be ready for spring training, though he is likely to be worked in slowly.

LHP Dallas Braden (left foot) is expected to be fully recovered by spring training from a rash and subsequent infection and nerve damage that kept him out the final two months of the season, although the rash returned again in September.

LHP Josh Outman (Tommy John elbow surgery in June 2009) could be back by midseason or in the second half of the 2010 season.

RHP Justin Duchscherer (elbow surgery in March 2009, depression) has fully recovered from the surgery. He received treatment for depression in the second half, and his agent has said that Duchscherer plans to pitch again in 2010.