Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com has learned that Ben Sheets signed with the A's for $10 million.  Read Danny's full blog entry .

He also reports that the Cubs have a deal with free-agent outfielder Xavier Nady.  Read that post, too.

SI.com is reporting that Ben Sheets agent is seeking $8 million for 2010 and the pitcher is getting very good reports from several scouts. The A's, Rangers and Mets are in the mix.

Today is the last day players can be added to rosters to be eligible for the postseason, and the San Francisco Chronicle reports here remains a small chance Nomar Garciaparra will go to a contender.

According to sources, Garciaparra cleared waivers but has drawn little interest.

Garciaparra said he'd hope that if the A's think they don't need him anymore when the roster expands Tuesday that they would let him go before then, but he has no problem staying if he is still in Oakland's plans.

"After the deadline, if I'm here, I'll continue to help these guys do what they're doing," Garciaparra said. "Which is fine. There's nothing bad about it."

Justin Duchscherer, A's starter rehabing from March elbow surgery, will return to the majors Tuesday against the Yankees, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle .

Scouts have been at both his rehab appearances, including ones from the Tigers and Red Sox. Most contenders need pitching and Duchscherer can start and work as a set-up man. He'll be a free agent and he is not expected to come back to Oakland.

As reported in the San Francisco Chronicle :

The Phillies are looking for a right-handed bat off the bench, and the team's top scout was at the A's series in Kansas City.

The Philadelphia courted Nomar Garciaparra in the offseason. 

Could a waiver deal or a waiver claim be in the works?

A's general manager Billy Beane would allow Garciaparra the courtesy of OKing a deal.

When asked about Philly, Garciaparra said, "Sure, why not?"

From Contra Costa Times :

A's relievers Michael Wuertz and Russ Springer also have reportedly drawn trade interest. But Orlando Cabrera seems the most likely to be moved. He's been on a tear offensively and is on a one-year contract.

Cabrera, though, indicated returning to the A's in 2010 appeals to him.

The A's don't have an obvious in-house candidate ready to take over shortstop if Cabrera leaves via free agency.

He's enjoyed this season, even as he says injuries decimated the A's chances of contending in the AL West.

"But there's always next year," said Cabrera, who's raised his average to .280. "I'd like to be a part of that."

Our own Danny Knobler has confirmed the Cardinals and A's will likely announce later today a trade moving  Holliday to the Cardinals for INF Brett Wallace and other players still to be determined.