The glut of first base/DH types on the open market isn’t preventing Lance Berkman from drawing serious early interest.

Berkman, 34, met with Oakland A's officials Tuesday night in his hometown of Houston. He recently told FOXSports.com the Cubs also were one of eight teams to contact him, and mentioned the Rockies, Cardinals, Pirates and Blue Jays in an interview with the Houston Chronicle.

While Berkman said his preference is the National League, the A’s wouldn't use him strictly as a DH. The team's open to him playing in left field, right field and first base while rotating their DHs, sources said.

The Denver Post reported Wednesday night that the Rockies were strongly in the mix for Berkman. However, the team’s initial financial offer was “low,” according to a source.

The A’s have identified Berkman as their No. 1 target. Geography could work against them, particularly if a team closer to Houston made a strong push. The Cubs could be that team. They're looking at both Berkman and Carlos Pena, sources say.

Then again, if the A’s could pay Berkman enough while assuring him of enough playing time in the field, they'd appear to have a legitimate chance of signing him.

Berkman wants to win and has noted the strength of the A’s pitching staff.

-Ken Rosenthal