Jonny Gomes joining the Athletics?

Jonny Gomes was born in San Francisco and grew up in the Bay Area and now, he may be returning home. After playing for the Tampa Bay Rays, Cincinnati Reds, and Washington Nationals, the San Francisco Chronicle reports that Gomes is very close to signing a deal with the Oakland Athletics.

The team has been looking for outfield depth after snagging Seth Smith from the Colorado Rockies, the paper reports, and Gomes is fitting the bill.

Former A's players Conor Jackson and Johnny Damon were also considered, the Chronicle reports. But the 31-year-old Gomes is said to be the chosen fella for the job.

Gomes is particularly strong against lefthanders, the paper reports, hitting .281 lifetime against them while batting .224 against righties. With the Reds and Nationals this past season, Gomes hit .209 with 14 homers and 43 RBIs.

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