Athletics Close To Deal With Brandon McCarthy

The Athletics are close to a deal with righty Brandon McCarthy, reports ESPN's Buster Olney.  On Tuesday, Olney reported that McCarthy was considering a serious offer from Oakland.  Olney also notes that the A's are close with Hideki Matsui, which we've read previously.

McCarthy, 27, posted a 3.36 ERA, 7.0 K/9, 1.8 BB/9, and 1.3 HR/9 in 56 1/3 Triple-A innings this year.  He tossed 119 innings between the Majors and minors in 2009.  He has a history of shoulder injuries, but the A's, Astros, Diamondbacks, Brewers, Padres, Mariners, and Tigers showed interest after he became a free agent.  McCarthy was reportedly scouted heavily in the Dominican Winter League.