Where does Jack Cust fit in to the future plans of the team?

At this point much of the focus for our A's is on the future, and rightfully so. There has  been some great debate regarding SS and keeping Cabrera. (I vote to keep him for next season). The outfield has several young guys who appear to be in the mix for playing time next year (Sweeney, Buck?, Patterson, Cunningham, Hairson). Also, looks like we have some great young prospects for the corner positions and are set at 2B and C. The question I have is what is the future role of Jack Cust on the team?

At this point would he be considered a young player/ prospect? Is he part of the A's future? I ask this because in my view after playing pretty regulary for 3 seasons I have not seen much improvement from him at all. I think that Cust is what he is- decent power with limited defense, lots of strike-outs. I think Cust is a fair option at the DH position but could the A's be better served looking at a young prospect getting those at bats or a better hitting veteran?

I am starting to look at Cust like I do Crosby. An average major league player who does not show signs of improvement.

I think the A's should keep him on the team but at this point I think that they should look at trying to add another power hitting OF for next year, who can also be a DH. Or bring up another hitter from the minors to challenge him for his role/job. Not sure who is on the free-agent list but I think that the A's organization needs to come to the realization that Cust is a decent player but I think what you see is what we are going to get as we move into 2010 and beyond. The question is can the team find someone who can perfrom better at that role.