OAKLAND -- Three days after A's manager Bob Geren said there could be as many as five openings in his bullpen when Spring Training starts next month, a Major League source on Saturday told MLB.com that one of those openings is about to close.

According to the source, Oakland has agreed in principle to terms on a one-year contract with 40-year-old righty Russ Springer. The deal is pending a physical and could be announced as early as Monday.

Springer, who likely will serve as a setup man for dual closers Brad Ziegler and Joey Devine, went 2-1 with a 2.32 ERA in 70 appearances for the Cardinals in 2008. Springer has made at least 70 appearances in each of the past three seasons, and FoxSports.com reported that his deal with Oakland is worth about $3 million.

A's assistant general manager David Forst said a deal with Springer has not been completed. GM Billy Beane, citing his policy against discussing free-agent negotiations, declined comment.

"It's basically done," said the source, "but the A's won't say anything about it until the physical."

Springer had 45 strikeouts and 18 walks over 50 1/3 innings of work last season. He broke in with the Yankees in 1992, and he has been in the National League since joining the Phillies in '95.

He has pitched for six different clubs, including the Cardinals the past two seasons, and has been to the playoffs four times. In 1999 and 2005, he was part of World Series teams in Atlanta and Houston, respectively.

The Twins are among the other teams said to have been interested in Springer. Minnesota has been looking for relief help in the wake of lefty Dennys Reyes' departure for free agency, and Reyes is said to be on Oakland's radar as well.