With the four-day winter meetings beginning Monday in Indianapolis, the Giants and A's approach with far different philosophies than a year ago.

At this point in 2008, the Giants already had signed Edgar Renteria, Jeremy Affeldt and Bobby Howry and were on the verge of finalizing a deal with Randy Johnson.

The A's already had traded for Matt Holliday and begun negotiating with Jason Giambi, a sign they weren't fully dedicated to their youth movement, later adding Orlando Cabrera and Nomar Garciaparra.

A year later, both teams have done a 180.

The Giants want to be more patient, the A's more youthful.

"What we really want to do is give our young players a chance to develop," A's general manager Billy Beane said, "and we want to hold on to them."

Last month, Beane spoke of improving the offense via trades, and he acquired Jake Fox and Aaron Miles from the Cubs on Thursday. Now he's looking mostly at free agents, if only because he appears unwilling to part with any of his valuable youth.

"We would probably be more interested in free agents," Beane said. "Given we're going through a rebuilding process, the advantage with free agents is you don't have to give up a player for them."

A draft choice, either. The A's aren't interested in elite free agents or any who'd cost a compensatory draft pick (Type A free agents who were offered arbitration by their original teams).

Tom Gannam/AP

Same with the Giants. GM Brian Sabean is focusing on "second-tier" free agents.

As to why the Giants aren't as aggressive as last winter, when they were quick to acquire free agents, Sabean said, "People learned from last year that letting things develop might be worthwhile. Also, we're further along and don't have as many holes. We know we have to upgrade the offense. Other teams, their acute need is pitching and aren't as good roster-wise in that area."

Indeed, both the Giants and A's have far better pitching than hitting, and bats will be the focus in Indianapolis.

The Giants need a catcher - to replace Bengie Molina and bridge to Buster Posey - a first baseman and possibly an outfielder. They're not ruling out an experienced reliever (a Howry re-signing perhaps), especially to provide bullpen depth in case prospect Madison Bumgarner is in the rotation.

Oakland's goal is to find a long-term answer at third base. Fox is a third baseman by trade, but the A's might also play him at first, in left and as a designated hitter. Brett Wallace might not be ready for the majors. Dallas McPherson has been shelved with injuries. Adam Kennedy is a free agent but not entirely out of the picture. Eric Chavez still is around.

That's a lot of options, but the A's remain in the market for a third baseman.

"We're trying to surround the position," joked Beane, adding, "If Chavez is healthy, he's the guy. But we have to prepare for him not to be. Even if he is healthy, we still need someone long term."

Beane is said to have inquired about Kansas City's Alex Gordon and Alberto Callaspo and the Angels' Brandon Wood, but none is considered trade bait for now.

Third base appears settled for the Giants after Sabean said the organization envisions Pablo Sandoval there (and not at first) in 2010. With Posey waiting in the wings, Sabean wants to find a catcher only for one year. Certain free agents - including Rod Barajas, Miguel Olivo and Yorvit Torrelaba - prefer more than one year, but their agents still plan to meet with the Giants in Indy.

"Absolutely," said Dan Lozano, who represents Barajas.

Martin Arburua, Olivo's agent, said he already spoke with the Giants and will chat again.

"There's mutual interest," he said. "Miguel definitely likes Bruce Bochy (who managed Olivo in San Diego in 2005) and would love to play in the Bay Area. He resides in Modesto. Miguel would take the best opportunity to play. I'm not sure if the Giants are it or not. We've talked to several teams."