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Keith Foulke is back for another go-round with the Oakland A's, signing a $700,000 one-year major-league deal that could be worth an additional $2.5 million in bonuses, including income bumps in the event the former All-Star performs set-up chores or if he closes games. According to A's assistant general manager David Forst, Foulke will help left-hander Alan Embree set up for closer Huston Street according to a report in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Foulke said on a conference call that he doesn't have any problem with that role. Though he hasn't pitched in the big leagues in more than a year, Foulke's inclusion in the bullpen will increase speculation that the rebuilding A's will move Street or Embree this season.

"I never considered myself a closer, I've always been a bullpen guy," he said. "Sometimes pitching in the seventh inning is more valuable than pitching in the ninth."

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Source: San Francisco Chronicle