As of late Friday night, the two sides were "making progress, but not done," according to a major-league source.

Springer, 40, also is talking with the Twins and other clubs. His deal will be for close to $3 million, plus incentives, sources said.

Earlier this offseason, the A's acquired left fielder Matt Holliday from the Rockies and signed first baseman Jason Giambi to a one-year, $5.25 million free-agent contract.

The team also is monitoring free-agent shortstop Orlando Cabrera, and will make a strong attempt to sign him if his price falls into the club's desired range.

The addition of Springer would help solidify the A's bullpen, which lost closer Huston Street in the Holliday trade. Brad Ziegler and Joey Devine are the leading candidates to replace Street. Springer would add depth in the middle and late innings.

A 17-year veteran, Springer is coming off the best two seasons of his career. He was a combined 10-2 with a 2.24 ERA for the Cardinals during that time, holding opponents to a batting average/on-base/slugging line of .195/.265/.285.

Springer is a Type A free agent, but the Cardinals did not offer him salary arbitration. Thus, the team that signs him will not forfeit a high draft pick.

St. Louis Cardinals News News » Source: A's, reliever Springer closing in on deal
Source: A's, reliever Springer closing in on deal
The A's, attempting to fortify their bullpen, appear to be closing in on a one-year contract with free-agent right-hander Russ Springer. MLB Hot Stove