Baseball Musings
Baseball Musings
April 20, 2008
Thomas Released!

Wow! The Blue Jays released Frank Thomas.

When told of his benching yesterday, the Big Hurt said it was an attempt by the club to limit his at bats in order to make sure he didn't get the 304 plate appearances required to guarantee his $10-million option for next season.

The vesting option was part of the $18.12-million, two-year deal he signed with the Blue Jays in November 2006.

On Saturday, general manager J.P. Ricciardi denied that Thomas' contract factored into the decision to bench the 19-year veteran.

"I think the decision is the manager's based on what he thinks is best for the team," said Ricciardi. "As a team we're struggling offensively and I just think Gibby is trying to spark our offence a little bit.

"A lot of guys are struggling, I don't think (Thomas) is alone. I think at this point you try and do what you can do to help the club and Gibby's trying to put our best possible lineup on the field."

There has to be a lot more to this story than a slow start. Anything can happen in 100 PA, and Frank was only around 70. As I mentioned earlier, his walk total indicates he hasn't lost his batting eye, and his strikeout rate is at the high end of his various seasonal rates, but not out of the ordinary. I'm guessing there was some descension someplace, and Frank got the boot. I would think some team could add a pretty good hitter to their mix right now.

Thanks to Baseball Digest Daily for the heads up.


Posted by David Pinto at 11:36 AM | Transactions | TrackBack (0)
Comments

Woah!

Though hopefully this means they're clearing the way to sign Bonds. That would be so amazing.

Posted by: matthew at April 20, 2008 11:49 AM

It's more likely they're clearing the way to promote Adam Lind - .360/.411/.640 in 50 ABs at AAA Syracuse so far this year - given Ricciardi's previous on-the-record statements about Bonds.

That said, if Bonds can be obtained for a reasonable price (and a one-year contract!) at this point, I would like to see him signed as well.

Posted by: Brian at April 20, 2008 11:58 AM

Anyone know what happens if Frank clears waivers, is signed as a free agent, and reaches the PAs needed to vest his option for 2009? Is the team that signs him as a free agent obligated to this vested option or does the obligation remain with the BlueJays since he was not claimed on waivers?

Posted by: giantsrainman at April 20, 2008 12:12 PM

Giantsrainman: No. Once he clears waivers a team signing him is working from a fresh contract.

Posted by: doug at April 20, 2008 12:38 PM

I would just LOVE to see the Royals add him. Although it would be very interesting to see how he'd affect Baltimore's lineup too. I'd rather see him in Royal blue for the summer.

Posted by: Devon Young at April 20, 2008 01:05 PM

His bat speed is slower so he has to commit early on pitches. He can still punish mistakes but a well timed changeup will get a goofy swing. He can't take the extra base and attracts GIDP... and there are rumblings of his attitude being negative on the clubhouse.

When the Jays signed Frank Thomas, I thought it was neat... now, the signing is a neat turn.

This could mean a Lind/Stewart platoon in LF with Stairs on DH/1B. Matt Stairs has not lost any bat speed at all and represents Atlantic Canada masterfully.

Also, Scott Rolen started his rehab today (Dunedin) and is expected to return in about a week.

Posted by: Andrew at April 20, 2008 01:38 PM

I don't see the Royals signing him - if they do then Butler has to sit - He might help Baltimore but then they have to work him Millar and Huff in. Seattle maybe, Oakland, He'd help Minnesota but I don't see them signing him.

Posted by: Bandit at April 21, 2008 08:13 AM
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