Oakland's biggest unknown going into the season is third base, so the team has added another potential option.

The A's signed free agent Dallas McPherson to a minor league deal with an invitation to big-league camp, where he will join six-time Gold Glove-winner Eric Chavez and highly regarded prospect Brett Wallace.

Oakland also has talked to its own free agent, Adam Kennedy, about returning, but the team's emphasis is on acquiring young talent, so Kennedy might be a stop-gap measure should the A's fail to pick up a top-notch third baseman or convertible shortstop in a trade.

Chavez is coming off his second back surgery in less than two years as well as three shoulder operations, and it is unclear how much he will be able to play in the field, even if he proves able to handle the position again.

Wallace projects as an excellent hitter, but his third base skills are much debated, and many believe he will be a first baseman or designated hitter down the line.

The A's plan to leave him at third for now, and Chavez will work with Wallace -- who idolized Chavez growing up in nearby Sonoma County -- during the spring.

McPherson, 29, was once a hotshot prospect himself, but like Chavez, he has dealt with back trouble in the past few years. McPherson had back surgery in July; Chavez's was in late June.

McPherson, who played at The Citadel, has a .245 average in 371 major league at-bats, hitting 18 home runs and driving in 45 runs, nearly all with the Angels.

He had 11 at-bats with Florida in September 2008 before signing a minor league deal with the Giants last year.

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