AP source: A's close to deal with Jonny Gomes

[January 20, 2012]  OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- A person with knowledge of the negotiations says the Oakland Athletics and Jonny Gomes are working to finalize a deal that would provide the team with outfield depth.

The person confirmed the pending contract on condition of anonymity Thursday because the club had yet to formally announce the acquisition of Gomes, who grew up in nearby Petaluma. The San Francisco Chronicle was first to report the sides were close Thursday.

Gomes, 31, batted .209 with 14 home runs and 43 RBIs last season for Cincinnati and Washington in his ninth major league season.

Oakland's starting outfield is slated as newly acquired Seth Smith in left, re-signed Coco Crisp in center and Josh Reddick in right.

[Associated Press; By JANIE McCAULEY]

AP Sports Writer Ronald Blum in New York contributed to this story.

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