A's negotiating with outfielder Gabe Gross
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The A's are targeting a left-handed hitting outfielder, but it's not Johnny Damon.
The team is in serious discussions with free agent Gabe Gross on a one- year contract, according to major-league sources.
Gross, 30, spent last season and most of 2008 with the Rays. He is
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}considered an above-average defender and decent threat against right-
handed pitching, though his numbers last season were down across the
board.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The A's almost certainly will use Gross as a reserve, seemingly
leaving them with the option of adding Damon.
However, there have been no recent talks between the A's and Damon's
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}representatives, a source said.
Gross is a career .239 hitter with a .337 on-base percentage and .399
slugging percentage.