I’ll post this quickly and add to it when more details come out.

But RHP Ben Sheets has signed a one-year contract with the Oakland A’s. As late as yesterday afternoon, it appeared that the Mariners, A’s and Rangers all figured to be the finalists in the bidding for Sheets.

It’s being reported by SI’s Jon Heyman that Sheets’ contract is one-year deal for $10 million, with performance bonuses. I don’t know that Seattle would have given up that kind of money.

How interested were the Mariners? No one is certain. I asked GM Jack Zduriencik about it last week, and of course he didn’t want to comment. But he said his prior relationship with Sheets – both were with the Brewers – wasn’t going to make Sheets’ decision.

I’m indifferent to the Sheets signing. Obviously, he could help the Mariners if fully healthy. And he could help the A’s if he’s healthy because he’s that talented.  But if or when he gets fully healthy is a question mark. And it’s not just the surgically repaired elbow. Sheets has also had a myriad of shoulder problems. Since 2005, he’s made six trips to the disabled list. Sheets is 86-83 with a 3.72 ERA in eight seasons with the Brewers.

So cross Sheets off your list. Some starting pitchers like John Smoltz , Jon Garland, Jarrod Washburn and others are still out there.

Another player to cross off your lists is outfielder Xavier Nady, who has signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs.

Nady could play some left field and be a right-handed hitter off the bench.

He too has also had injury issues, missing the 2009 season after having the second Tommy John surgery on his elbow in his career.

Some of the remaining right-handed bats available are Ryan Garko, Jermaine Dye, Fernando Tatis, Eric Byrnes and Jonny Gomes.