Bye Bye "Girl-Mouth"?

Embedded in an article on arbitration offers was this juicy tidbit:

The A's had eight arbitration-eligible players and they maintained their control over seven of them, choosing only to non-tender utilityman Hiram Bocachica . Bocachica, who had a very strong spring training before breaking his wrist on the last day of camp in 2005, was a September call-up with the A's this past season. Despite not having a long major league resume, Bocachica had earned enough service time to become arbitration-eligible. By non-tendering Bocachica, the A's have removed him from the 40-man roster and he is now a free agent.

Bocachica could still return to the A's. Oakland obviously had some interest in keeping him, as they could have removed him from the 40-man roster much earlier in the off-season if he wasn't a part of their plans. The A's could still come to terms with Bocachica, likely with a split or minor league contract and an invitation to spring training. He would be in competition for a spot on the A's bench with Freddie Bynum , Matt Watson , Andrew Beattie and Charles Thomas if he returned to Oakland.

If it turns out the A's don't re-sign Mr. Hiram B., I will be disappointed, but not surprised.  He's shown a lot of potential in the minor leagues and never really had a chance at a position in Oakland.  I'd like to really learn whether he can be an every-day major league starter.  Unfortunately, it's clear that one thing we don't need right now is extra outfielders.  Especially slowly aging AAAA-caliber players with great defense and not much pop in the bat.  Better to non-tender him than trap him on a bench for the season.