Media Reports Big Hurt Close to Deal With Toronto

LAME.

The very idea burns my soul.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Nov 15, 2006 6:03 PM PST reply actions

horrible offseason so far

The A's offense is flat out anemic without Thomas.

If he signs there, he'll re-injure himself within 2 months...

"Imagine all the Hebrews goin dumb"-Tell Me When To Go

by ohad on Nov 15, 2006 6:07 PM PST reply actions

Thomas

If he does suffer an injure himself it will be well deserved. I now believe all of those things that the Whitesox said about Thomas when he left.

by 3Chavy3 on Nov 16, 2006 11:54 AM PST up reply actions

Yet again..

another Billy Beane JR bites his ideas. Thanks J.P.

Fire Macha Yesterday!

by dboysick on Nov 15, 2006 6:09 PM PST reply actions

Noooo!

Bonds would be the first A's player I would root against (in 30 years of following the team). I prefer Frank. This sucks.

I miss Bill King :(

by gojohn10 on Nov 15, 2006 6:09 PM PST reply actions

Well, let's remember that Wolff owns a piece of...

...the Rogers Centre.

So, like, in an odd way, he'd still be benefiting us...

Okay, I'm clutching.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 15, 2006 9:18 PM PST up reply actions

depends on the the term and $s

but i gotta believe JP over paid for frank...which makes JP is very very very stupid. i've always defending JP to people around Tor but this deal, if it goes down, has potential to run JP out of town.

frank, in TOR, on artifical turf with a "strange" clubhouse and a hothead manager.... should be interesting going to jays games this year.

"If the fans don't come out to the ball park, you can't stop them."- Yogi Berra.

by bigelephant on Nov 15, 2006 6:09 PM PST reply actions

yoiks

I hadn't even thought about the Gibbons situation.

... which is, now that I think about it, an ironic sentence for me of all monkeys to type ...

God I miss old Van Halen, splits and leopard pants -- Blez @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 15, 2006 6:25 PM PST up reply actions

gibbons has a tendency to go apesht on players

rip 2006, it was nice while it lasted.

by ak_A on Nov 15, 2006 7:04 PM PST up reply actions

If Gibbons goes simian on Frank

It might be his last moment of verticality.

by DiegoSegui on Nov 15, 2006 7:19 PM PST up reply actions

If ted lilly kicked his ass

What would big frank do to him?

Rickey Henderson: 35, 24, hall of fame!

by Athletics fan and runner on Nov 16, 2006 12:34 AM PST up reply actions

Whatever...

I don't buy it! Just this morning he was on the VERGE of signing with Texas. This afternoon I heard a rumor he was on the VERGE of signing with us for a $15 Mil deal of some kind. And now this evening I hear he is on the VERGE of going to Toronto! Tomorrow he will off to Japan! No more Verge! Just tell me when a deal is DONE!

"This is the best hug in the major leagues, right here!" - Swisher Pics

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Nov 15, 2006 6:14 PM PST reply actions

good use of the word

"VERGE"

"If the fans don't come out to the ball park, you can't stop them."- Yogi Berra.

by bigelephant on Nov 15, 2006 6:16 PM PST up reply actions

oh man

the worst "on the verge" moment in recent memory was when huddy was on the trading block!

by gotgreen on Nov 15, 2006 6:32 PM PST up reply actions

I HATE MY LIFE.

NO, I HATE THIS OFF SEASON.

by iloveoakland on Nov 15, 2006 6:15 PM PST reply actions

The Big Hurt on artificial turf.....

good luck Blue Jays.

by arch on Nov 15, 2006 6:16 PM PST reply actions

Purely about the Benjamins

I don't imagine Toronto going anywhere in the AL East since it is usually a two team race between Boston and New York. As a result, this signing by Frank reeks with self-interest (anything new in professional sports?).

It was fun having you here for a year, Frank. But like Foulke, Frank is probably taking the money and running. Boo to you...booooooooo!

Hope Floats...I hate Sandra Bullock

by franks a lot on Nov 15, 2006 6:17 PM PST reply actions

take the money and trot gingerly...

by david32 on Nov 15, 2006 7:30 PM PST up reply actions

lol

"We are a complete freak show." -- Billy Beane

by day-to-day on Nov 15, 2006 7:45 PM PST up reply actions

The Benjamins?

Don't you mean the Queens, or the loons or the beavers or something?

Wait a minute, I'll wikipedia it...

...okay, found it.

"It's all about the Benjamins" in Canadian would be, "It's all about the Bordens".

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Nov 15, 2006 9:39 PM PST up reply actions

It would be the Loonies ($1 coins)

...and Toonies (2 dollar coins.)

You do the math. (Not sure JP did.)

by Batgal on Nov 16, 2006 9:14 AM PST up reply actions

Well...

Frank filing right away gave me the sense he wanted out. As for the reports, this is the first one running on ESPN's front page...

"Christ, evidentally I played against Swisher in '02 when he was at OSU and Granderson when he was at Illinois-Chicago."

by compy75 on Nov 15, 2006 6:18 PM PST reply actions

Filing....

didn't mean he wanted out of Oakland necessarily. It just mean he wanted the cash...whether that was in Oakland or wherever.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Nov 15, 2006 6:22 PM PST up reply actions

WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by gotgreen on Nov 15, 2006 6:19 PM PST reply actions

Add about

five more exclamation points, and that will be exactly what I thought.

"We are a complete freak show." -- Billy Beane

by day-to-day on Nov 15, 2006 7:46 PM PST up reply actions

The Bright Side

We'd get the 21st overall draft pick to go along with our #26, as well as a draft pick from Barry Zito and possibly one from Jay Payton.

by Zonis on Nov 15, 2006 6:20 PM PST reply actions

Thomas is type B

Under the new agreement we'd get only a sandwich round pick as compensation (ObMmmmmSandwich), not the Jay's #1 pick.

Some are sabermetricians.

by andeux on Nov 15, 2006 6:28 PM PST up reply actions

ouch!

Looks like you didn't strain your oblique -- you snapped it in half!

God I miss old Van Halen, splits and leopard pants -- Blez @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 15, 2006 6:30 PM PST up reply actions

Rotoworld says it might be a sign

of the Jays trading Vernon Wells.

If so, PLEASE! JP! YOU'RE TAKING OUR BIG HURT, PLEASE GIVE US WELLS!

by Zonis on Nov 15, 2006 6:21 PM PST reply actions

Thomas, if signed, blocks Adam Lind

Thats a guy who I would like to acquire.

Maybe we could try to trade for Wells and Lind?

Who would we have to trade though, is the quesiton.

Blanton and two of Windsor, Komine and Calero?

by Zonis on Nov 15, 2006 6:24 PM PST reply actions

Wait

You're saying Wells and Lind for Blanton and two of those guys? Not a chance, as great as it would be.

"You're a terrible ballplayer, but you've always been a great asshole."-salb918 on Ozzie Guillen

by gatling on Nov 15, 2006 8:58 PM PST up reply actions

I would LOVE to get Adam Lind

I assumed he was off the table, but if Toronto is dumb enough to pay $30 million to Frank, maybe they're dumb enough to let Adam Lind go.

I'd much rather take a chance on a guy like him than take the same chance on a past-his-prime veteran like Piazza or Sosa.

And by the way, what's with all the veteran names being bandied about? Doesn't anyone believe in Menudo anymore?

"...but we're also always open to hearing about other sandwiches if it can make our lunch better." -- Nico, channeling Billy Beane

by iglew on Nov 15, 2006 9:09 PM PST up reply actions

veteran names...

immediate, short-term need + Barton on the horizon + limited resources + success of Thomas signing last year + DH position = veteran names

"We don't want haddock and chips, we want cod. In cod we trust." --Ghostigital, the pride of Iceland

by Cutthemullet on Nov 15, 2006 9:36 PM PST up reply actions

maybe four out of five

but limited resources argues the other way. Young guy fresh out of the minors = league minimum. You can have five years of that before you match the level of even the cheapest of the veteran guys being suggested here.

"...but we're also always open to hearing about other sandwiches if it can make our lunch better." -- Nico, channeling Billy Beane

by iglew on Nov 16, 2006 1:25 AM PST up reply actions

that's because no one can see beyond Bonds

Actually, some people can, and have. For starters, taking a league-minimum flier on Durazo...or even a minor league contract, whatever. He's a "veteran name" who's been mentioned, and he would be as cheap as they come. Some other decent, cheap options haven't really been mentioned much...anyone up for a return of Jose Guillen to co-exist with Milton Bradley? Ok, maybe not. But there are others available besides the biggest names like Bonds, Piazza, and Alou, who will be overpaid for name recognition alone. Plus, the Padres are already actively pursuing the two that didn't play for them last year (do they have a vendetta against the Giants? If so, more power to them.)

Cliff Floyd might be a good, incentive-based signing. Trot Nixon to platoon with Kielty...there are guys out there.

"We don't want haddock and chips, we want cod. In cod we trust." --Ghostigital, the pride of Iceland

by Cutthemullet on Nov 16, 2006 1:54 AM PST up reply actions

I really liked Jose Guillen

and I have a lot of respect for how he sucked up having a broken bone in his hand and played great in the playoffs against Boston. I would have nothing whatsoever against him returning to the green and gold.

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Nov 16, 2006 11:01 AM PST up reply actions

and believe me...

if we had young guys ready to step in to DH or play LF, I'd be ready for some Menudo. But we don't have anyone ready to play this year.

"We don't want haddock and chips, we want cod. In cod we trust." --Ghostigital, the pride of Iceland

by Cutthemullet on Nov 16, 2006 1:57 AM PST up reply actions

Gaudin

If Toronto is dumb enough to trade us Chad Gaudin, anything is possible.

J.P. is a horrible General Manager... Horrible.

COME ON, OAKLAND, COME ON!

by Colorado Fan on Nov 16, 2006 9:21 AM PST up reply actions

f#&k

Dammit Frank, sign with us!!! We have much better team chemistry! You'll have fun!!

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Nov 15, 2006 6:32 PM PST reply actions

Miserable offseason thus far

Our opponents are using our assets to improve all around us. (Thomas with Toronto, Wash with Texas, presumably Zito somewhere.)

I trust Billy though. I wouldn't be surprised to see Adam Dunn DHing in Oakland next year. Or some bat of some sort. I can't imagine Beane's just gonna see Thomas off and then throw up his hands and go "Oh well. Hey Melhuse, wanna DH for a full season?"

there's simply no club like the white elephant club

by walk off bunt on Nov 15, 2006 6:34 PM PST reply actions

I trust Billy, too

And remember -- all of our opponents are paying (and usually paying dearly, and assuming a lot of risk) for past performance.

God I miss old Van Halen, splits and leopard pants -- Blez @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 15, 2006 6:43 PM PST up reply actions

But isn't

Past performance the best indicator of future performance?

Billy has ingenius-ed himself out of the market for top free agents, and to the extent they are almost always overpaid, that's a good thing. But to the extent that they are usually the best players, that's a bad thing, and helps explain why FT was the A's most-exciting hitter since Giambi, and why if he walks we're unlikely to have anyone like him next year.

I trust Billy to make the kind of moves you suggest below (Durazo, Nomah, Bonds); essentially when it comes to free agency, other teams buy new stuff and the A's buy second-hand. I guess if you like thrift stores, yard sale and dumpster-diving, you'll love the Moneyball A's.

"WTF is wrong with you people TASTELESS COMMENTS. I'm disgusted. Mocking a 10 year old's horrible painful death." --eshock

by rubin sierra on Nov 16, 2006 10:03 AM PST up reply actions

good point, but ...

... the idea is to acquire young or approaching-their-prime players whose past performance -- mostly in the minors -- indicates excellent ML potential; or to acquire veteran players with established ML performance levels who for whatever reason (health, attitude, ML prejudices, etc) are cheaper than they "should" be.

Past performance is not an indicator of future performance when a player is old and debilitated, or young and flukey/lucky/marginal physically and relying on deception.

God I miss old Van Halen, splits and leopard pants -- Blez @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 16, 2006 1:01 PM PST up reply actions

Continuing with the Lind and Wells vain...

That would fill both our holes in the lineup, and give us even better defense to boot!

How's this for a roster!

C1 Kendall
LF Bradley
1B Swisher
CF Wells
3B Chavez
DH Lind
SS Crosby
RF Kotsay
2B Ellis

C2 Brown
IF Scutaro
IF Perez
OF Bocachica

SP Harden
SP Haren
SP Loaiza
SP Blanton
SP Windsor

RP Street
RP Duchscherer
RP Kennedy
RP Gaudin
RP Komine
RP Saarloos
RP Flores

by Zonis on Nov 15, 2006 6:38 PM PST reply actions

Got a question

Who are you trading to get Wells and Lind in the 1st place?

Why yes. I am a ray of warm and fuzzy sunshine.

by grover on Nov 15, 2006 7:39 PM PST up reply actions

Trade?

Billy and JP are friends, I'm sure the Jays would be willing to just give us two of their best players for free.

Green eyes come from yellow flecks of fatty pigment on a dark background. Some men think a green-eyed woman is exotic. The truth is she's got fat eyes.

by Furious George on Nov 15, 2006 7:51 PM PST up reply actions

oh f#ck

this sucks ass.

ohio roots

by nickatt7 on Nov 15, 2006 6:42 PM PST reply actions

Ooofah!

It's a downer... no doubt about it.

But I'm sure a plan is in place. I can't believe nobody saw this as a possibility when Frank said he wanted to see what his value is (translation: I'm taking what I can despite all that stuff I said about loyalty). Beane made a good faith effort to resign him if those rumors were true during the playoffs. Nothing you can do if he wants to cash one more big check.

Like Lazarus, the A's offense has awakened from the dead!!- Bill King

by Floridafan on Nov 15, 2006 6:43 PM PST reply actions

Wells

I think we would have to give up alot to get wells, especially since the Jays have a stronger position than us. Probably we will see Wells in an Angel uniform pretty soon.

by apilgrim on Nov 15, 2006 6:44 PM PST reply actions

We're not getting Wells...

...hello Erubiel Durazo.

by beanehead on Nov 15, 2006 6:52 PM PST reply actions

Certainly with Durazo DH"ing we will be

a contender again this year. Ha Ha...

Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN

by Charlie Brown on Nov 15, 2006 7:04 PM PST up reply actions

The Return of the Durazosaurus Rex....?

Hope Floats...I hate Sandra Bullock

by franks a lot on Nov 15, 2006 7:42 PM PST up reply actions

OMG!

We have to have a big bat! I am so bummed. Frank was such an important part of getting us a division title . Without a legitimate cleanup hitter we are in deep doodoo.

by IM4Oakgal on Nov 15, 2006 6:54 PM PST reply actions

Guess we have to get used to the idea of...

Crosby batting third and Chavez hitting cleanup. Zing!

Hope Floats...I hate Sandra Bullock

by franks a lot on Nov 15, 2006 6:56 PM PST up reply actions

Franks a lot ?

Don't even joke about that.

by IM4Oakgal on Nov 15, 2006 7:36 PM PST up reply actions

Seriously.

The 2007 season just flashed in front of my eyes. It wasn't pretty. :(

by AsGirl on Nov 15, 2006 7:53 PM PST up reply actions

I saw the 2007 season flash, too...

The whole season flashed before my eyes, too, and I only saw about a dozen extra-base hits.

MJB

by MJB on Nov 15, 2006 10:06 PM PST up reply actions

Yup, this pretty much blows.

But who knows. Sometimes things happen for a reason, maybe this is one of those moments.

Certum est quod certum reddi potest.

by oblique on Nov 15, 2006 6:56 PM PST reply actions

Numbers

They're saying 2 years, $23 million. Crap.

by Doug on Nov 15, 2006 7:01 PM PST reply actions

I'd really like

to see some of that old Billy Beane rabbit from a hat magic right about now, otherwise I'm going to have to start lighting candles for a Daric Barton ROY campaign.

by Doug on Nov 15, 2006 7:06 PM PST up reply actions

got a link doug?

because if JP is giving frank that much then he is smoking grass.

the thing about TOR is they believe they can win next yr. with both NY and BOS perceived as being weak.

"If the fans don't come out to the ball park, you can't stop them."- Yogi Berra.

by bigelephant on Nov 15, 2006 7:10 PM PST up reply actions

Same as the first

They're just updating the story.

by Doug on Nov 15, 2006 7:12 PM PST up reply actions

And never mind

when I first went to ESPN they had $23 million up but they've dropped it, I guess they couldn't confirm it.

by Doug on Nov 15, 2006 7:14 PM PST up reply actions

fox

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6177240

"If the fans don't come out to the ball park, you can't stop them."- Yogi Berra.

by bigelephant on Nov 15, 2006 7:16 PM PST up reply actions

And now

ESPN is talking about an option. I'm quoting this time in case they edit again:

"While it's uncertain whether Thomas' deal is for three years or two with an option, a source said the total value could exceed $30 million."

If that's the case, I love ya Frank but don't let the door hit you . . .

by Doug on Nov 15, 2006 7:26 PM PST up reply actions

Sigh. Bye, Frank.

I want Thomas back here, but not for that much money.

Bottom of the 9th - Baseball photojournalism by James Venes

by Flashfire on Nov 15, 2006 7:13 PM PST up reply actions

HOLY crap

If that's all guaranteed, JP's gonna have to shred his MENSA card.

God I miss old Van Halen, splits and leopard pants -- Blez @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 15, 2006 7:24 PM PST up reply actions

this is my question-

monkeyboy, you seem like a smart guy. would you give a player like thomas over 20 million bones over 2 years knowing his injury HX and the fact he'ii play around 100-110 games, with half on turf?

how can JP be this stupid? what is the thought process here?

and beane and JP talk all the time. beane has known about this offer since this morning. i mean, why would one friend let another friend committ professional suicide?

"If the fans don't come out to the ball park, you can't stop them."- Yogi Berra.

by bigelephant on Nov 15, 2006 7:29 PM PST up reply actions

I'm not a monkey, but I'm fairly cynical

Short answer is... there is no good reason.

Let me re-phrase, there is no good reason for JP to sign Big Hurt to that kind of deal. I can't help but wonder if Ricciardi is doing a favor for his old friend Beane and is upping the bid to make Texas bump their offer up to 3 years gauranteed.

Just a hunch, and maybe I'm too devious for my own good.

Why yes. I am a ray of warm and fuzzy sunshine.

by grover on Nov 15, 2006 7:44 PM PST up reply actions

yor nobody's monkey

that's for sure.

"If the fans don't come out to the ball park, you can't stop them."- Yogi Berra.

by bigelephant on Nov 15, 2006 7:48 PM PST up reply actions

Fascinating, Jim.

God I miss old Van Halen, splits and leopard pants -- Blez @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 15, 2006 7:59 PM PST up reply actions

well, as for the last point ...

... I'd be willing to bet a big bunch of bananas that Beane, at least in matters such as this, sees JP much more primarily as a competitor than as a friend. (And I'm just speculating tangentially, but Beane might, just might, be leveraging his friendship with Geren to use him as a sort of Bench Coach of Damocles.)

As for what the f&%$ JP is thinking ... I have no idea whatsoever. I think $20M guaranteed to Frank for 2 years is just plain stupid. I mean, I personally wouldn't have guaranteed 2 years no matter what the money, and I would have been hesitant to even guarantee one year. While Frank did "earn" a better contract than what he signed for '06, granting him those "earnings" is a classic case of paying for past performance.

All of which is not to say that there's no chance Frank will perform well for the Jays in '07 and/or '08. I just think it's pretty unlikely.

God I miss old Van Halen, splits and leopard pants -- Blez @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 15, 2006 7:57 PM PST up reply actions

"Bench Coach of Damocles"

nice...hope geren knows his greek.

fact is rogers has billions...hell i'm right now using his high speed! i'm paying for big frank right now dammit!

i fear we're heading to another 2-3 years of really really bad contracts in MLB.

best to button down the hatches and wait out this storm of insanity.....

"If the fans don't come out to the ball park, you can't stop them."- Yogi Berra.

by bigelephant on Nov 15, 2006 8:11 PM PST up reply actions

mmm ...

Any chance of there being a good local baseball time in the meantime?
I know, I know, Beane'll scrap together 90 wins for us out of pure ingenuity, he always does.

"WTF is wrong with you people TASTELESS COMMENTS. I'm disgusted. Mocking a 10 year old's horrible painful death." --eshock

by rubin sierra on Nov 15, 2006 10:24 PM PST up reply actions

hmmm

Can we wait until the end of the offseason before saying the A's are doomed?

by SeanR on Nov 15, 2006 7:07 PM PST reply actions

<sigh>

"Come on, you douche bags, we're all on the same team!"

by Jennifer on Nov 15, 2006 7:09 PM PST reply actions

Scutaro: 35hr, 120 RBIs

Book it...

Hope Floats...I hate Sandra Bullock

by franks a lot on Nov 15, 2006 7:12 PM PST reply actions

Sounds like a plan!!

"This is the best hug in the major leagues, right here!" - Swisher Pics

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Nov 15, 2006 7:13 PM PST up reply actions

Crosby maybe with stats like that.

rather than Scooter. Even if we know we are dreaming about that. Let Thomas go if it is going to cost ten million a year... do not think he will earn that amount of money in his value to the team.

Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN

by Charlie Brown on Nov 15, 2006 7:26 PM PST up reply actions

CLUTCH!

Half of them in the 8th or 9th inning, the other half in extra innings.
2/3 of the homers are walk-offs.

Green eyes come from yellow flecks of fatty pigment on a dark background. Some men think a green-eyed woman is exotic. The truth is she's got fat eyes.

by Furious George on Nov 15, 2006 7:56 PM PST up reply actions

Of course those are career numbers

:)

MJB

by MJB on Nov 15, 2006 9:19 PM PST up reply actions

Who cares

FT is good, but he's not that good. I trust BB here.

It's a beautiful day for baseball.

by As Man on Nov 15, 2006 7:22 PM PST reply actions

This isn't..

..Beane not wanting him, this is Beane unable to afford him. Rogers corp, who owns the Jays, are a HUGE corporation, in the billions of dollars in annual profits. They've said a priority in the next few years is to invest in the Blue Jays, since they're now the only baseball team in the country.

JP's got so much money he doesn't really care what the numbers are.

I am a bitter Red Sox fan.

by FlynnSox on Nov 15, 2006 7:43 PM PST up reply actions

So jealous,

< a HUGE corporation, in the billions of dollars in annual profits >

I wish the A's had a similar type of ownership. Oh...wait a sec-nevermind. Sorry. Sigh.

by southofcruiseamerica on Nov 15, 2006 9:44 PM PST up reply actions

beane better get another big bat or the A's

are screwed.

"Very nice day in the Oakland A... Oakland A's? What's this stadium called again?" Nick Swisher on TWIB.

by larrysgurl on Nov 15, 2006 7:36 PM PST reply actions

Yeesh

Now it's a potential 30 Million 2 year contract. And we could only offer 15 millin.

by Smartball on Nov 15, 2006 7:44 PM PST reply actions

cbssportsline

as this
"He's exploring the market," Beane said. "He'll probably get back to us and we'll decide to either match it or not."
So I guess he will give us the shot to match any deal. I hope we don't if it's 2 year 30 mil.

by Athletix Man on Nov 15, 2006 7:51 PM PST reply actions

uh...wow

"I almost landed in some lady's lap, which was kinda fun.'' -- Swish

by Sharon on Nov 15, 2006 7:55 PM PST reply actions

Oh, go back to the Marlins blog

God I miss old Van Halen, splits and leopard pants -- Blez @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 15, 2006 7:59 PM PST up reply actions

<pouts>

"I almost landed in some lady's lap, which was kinda fun.'' -- Swish

by Sharon on Nov 15, 2006 8:01 PM PST up reply actions

you can't spell 'putouts' w/o 'pouts'

What? I'm talking about baseball putouts!

God I miss old Van Halen, splits and leopard pants -- Blez @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 15, 2006 8:08 PM PST up reply actions

This is also your fault.

"Come on, you douche bags, we're all on the same team!"

by Jennifer on Nov 15, 2006 8:06 PM PST up reply actions

Loyalty

I guess Frank IS about the money. Beane gave him the chance to recover his career and reputation, now its "thanks, but see ya". Nice character

by Murph21 on Nov 15, 2006 7:58 PM PST reply actions

Uhhhh, I guess you haven't been following sports

for the past 30+ years; all athletes are about the money (except for Crosby, of course).

by Bifford on Nov 15, 2006 8:03 PM PST up reply actions

and Griffey Jr., Gwynn, Tillman and Brady

by southofcruiseamerica on Nov 15, 2006 9:46 PM PST up reply actions

You say that like it's a rarity.

Bottom of the 9th - Baseball photojournalism by James Venes

by Flashfire on Nov 15, 2006 8:31 PM PST up reply actions

there's no such thing as loyalty when it comes

to sports.

"Very nice day in the Oakland A... Oakland A's? What's this stadium called again?" Nick Swisher on TWIB.

by larrysgurl on Nov 15, 2006 8:33 PM PST up reply actions

or business in general

Maybe in small businesses, but in large ones, companies are only as loyal to you as the next high-priced organizational consultant says you are.

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Nov 16, 2006 11:05 AM PST up reply actions

And you would turn the money down?

If it were you, you would turn down two years/$30 million to stay here (or wherever) for two years/$10 million?

Yeah. Right.

MJB

by MJB on Nov 15, 2006 9:21 PM PST up reply actions

re

Bye Frank. We'll miss you.

Piazza?

by 31Boots on Nov 15, 2006 8:04 PM PST reply actions

I hear theres a fan favorite named bonds out there

by CyZito on Nov 15, 2006 8:06 PM PST up reply actions

Piazza's way down my list

If Durazo's super-cheap, I'd sign him to platoon with Kielty.

If Bonds comes down to $10M or less for 1 or 2 years, I sign him.

If Nomahhh isn't the subject of a bidding war, I'd take a flyer on him.

God I miss old Van Halen, splits and leopard pants -- Blez @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 15, 2006 8:06 PM PST up reply actions

Curious:

You've said repeatedly that 10per for 2 years is too much for Frank. Do you really think Bonds is a lesser risk?

by mikeA on Nov 15, 2006 8:50 PM PST up reply actions

I do.

Frank has an ankle that is classified by Dr. Jerrald Goldman as "not normal." It can break again at any time, and it happening is almost more a matter of "when" than "if."

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Nov 16, 2006 11:07 AM PST up reply actions

not to mention playing on turf exacerbates it

God I miss old Van Halen, splits and leopard pants -- Blez @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 16, 2006 1:16 PM PST up reply actions

I'm with jeepers

And just to add to his reasoning, I think a large part of Bonds' fragility the last couple years (beyond perhaps no longer having recourse to certain <ahem> recuperative salves <ahem>) has been the necessity of his playing <ahem> "defense" <ahem>.

Put Bonds at DH and give Swisher and Kielty and DJ some spot-starts, and I think he'd be fine for 2 years.

God I miss old Van Halen, splits and leopard pants -- Blez @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 16, 2006 1:14 PM PST up reply actions

idea

if the A's have the opportunity to match any contract he is offered, how is this idea?

Beane tells JP he will match the Thomas offer, unless they work a deal out. As in he lets Thomas sign with Toronto and they work out some kind of deal for Wells, with Thomas as sort of an incentive for trading Wells. Possible?

"Imagine all the Hebrews goin dumb"-Tell Me When To Go

by ohad on Nov 15, 2006 8:04 PM PST reply actions

Come on...

what are we going to give JP for Vernon. I mean he's gonna be worth far more than we have to offer -- even for a rental! Soriano is gonna get 120? Vernon is going to require some A prospects...

by CyZito on Nov 15, 2006 8:07 PM PST up reply actions

we'll give them the best we got

I wasn't gonna go into who for who, just the principle. Another aspect would be signing Wells to a fatty extension, which would easily let us free up the cash that Payton and Zito cost, as well as trading Kotsay anywhere as basically a salary dump.

"Imagine all the Hebrews goin dumb"-Tell Me When To Go

by ohad on Nov 15, 2006 9:09 PM PST up reply actions

gosh darnit...

stuff is happening too fast! Hot Stove? More like Burning Conflagration Convection Unit from the Sun...

Let's GO OAKLAND!!!

by OaktownRajah on Nov 15, 2006 8:34 PM PST reply actions

For the parties

wondering why Thomas would get this much, I have but one simple answer for you.

The 2006-2007 offseason market is going to absolutely freaking crazy. Orlando Hernandez just re-signed with the Mets for 2 years and 12 million. Jamie Moyer got roughly the exact same deal from the Phillies. Jose Valentin got 2 years and roughly 4 million. Mike Mussina is going to get rougly 2 years and 22-25 million from the Yankees it's being reported. The Red Sox paid 51 million dollars for the right to negotiate a contract with Daisuke Matsuzaka. Gil Meche, Gil freaking Meche, could get upwards of 8 or 9 or even 10 million per year. Ted Lilly is going to get 9 or 10 million per year. Barry Zito is going to get 15-17 million a year. Hell, Vicente Padilla could see 8 or 9 million a year.

Basically, the point I'm making is that Frank Thomas getting 12 million a year surprises me not in the least. The moneys just out there to be spent, and somebody has to come along and take it. As I said earlier, I wouldn't be too upset. Frank's really stretching his injury (lack thereof) luck and I don't doubt that Beane can work someone like Blanton (at least in this market for pitching) plus other assets for perhaps even an Adam Dunn (remember, they did essentially give up Austin Kearns for middle relief fodder last season, at least Blanton's a pretty proven innings eater).

I can't believe I'm saying this, but Esteban Loaiza, for the next two seasons, is, provided injury problems are past him, going to be an absolute steal at 7 million if hes putting up ERA's in the 4.1-4.3 range as I think he's capable of when he's not hurt.

there's simply no club like the white elephant club

by walk off bunt on Nov 15, 2006 8:38 PM PST reply actions

This is why

The A's had to move. The amount of money in baseball is crazy, and we cannot survive as a consistent competive team on a middling payroll anymore. Deals are not going to be had in this market.

I'd like to eat my lunch, but Billy just kicked me out of my office.

by BlameChannel53 on Nov 15, 2006 9:18 PM PST up reply actions

WERE NOT THE SAN JOSE A'S OF FREMONT YET

Before you all get suicidal remember that it's still Moneyball as usual for the Oakland A's. Last time I checked OAKLAND's purse can't take that kind of financial risk on a 38 year old player. Much less one that is likely to get routinely thrown out at first on line drives hit to right next year. In three years Coco Crisp will be throwing him out from center. We should all be thankful for what we got for the 3mil we spent on Frank in 06'. Billy will find someone to replace Frank and might be able to sign a descent starter with the money he was going to spend on Frank. Call me crazy but I would rather see him resign Payton and sign someone like Ted Lilly or Mulder than overpay for Frank. For 30mil you could do that and then some.

by BHooves78 on Nov 15, 2006 8:41 PM PST reply actions

I'm shocked

Thomas signs with the Jays, then the A's have some money on there hands but very little I guess Beane trusts his reps of Crosby and Chavez in the offense this year.

"Talk about impressive. My point is this: Break's over."- Josiah Bartlet

by doublehustle22 on Nov 15, 2006 8:44 PM PST reply actions

holy moly

2 years for $23 million??

thanks for the memories, big frank! =P

by gotgreen on Nov 15, 2006 8:49 PM PST reply actions

too lazy to scroll up

so i don't know if this has been mentioned but ESPN.com says that a source said the deal could exceed $30 million! JEEBUS.

link

by gotgreen on Nov 15, 2006 8:56 PM PST reply actions

never mind

somebody posted it already.

by gotgreen on Nov 15, 2006 8:57 PM PST up reply actions

I foresee a LOT of 2-1-type games next year

if you didn't like the 4-3 games you were getting already, 2007 might not be the year for you...due to the fact I think we're going to be getting closer to Hatteberg-level production out of the DH spot next year (I don't see us getting a legit DH replacement in this market, it's going to be back to the scrap heap...better that than 30 mill for Thomas though), and my hunch that Chad Gaudin is going to be the second-best starter on the pitching staff, I think this team is going to play some low-scoring ball, night in and night out. Pressure will be heavier than ever for ALL of the Chosen Ones (Chavez, Crosby, Bradley) to pan out offensively. This team, even as it stands right now, has the ability to be as good as 2006's team, but we're going to finally need some breaks (or lack thereof, I suppose) on the injury front with our cornerstone players.

"We don't want haddock and chips, we want cod. In cod we trust." --Ghostigital, the pride of Iceland

by Cutthemullet on Nov 15, 2006 8:58 PM PST reply actions

You can never predict

the next year on what happened this year, that is why GM's make so damn many stupid mistakes giving players money next year on what they did last year. Look at all the MVP's that have terrible years, Cy YOungs etc. Hell, Ellis hit .315 in 2005, look what happened in 2006. There is as good a chance that Thomas will flat flop in Toronto as hit 30 HR's. That is really what Moneyball is all about, finding that gem who had a terrible year, get him on the cheap, and reap the benefits. We got much more than anyone thought when the A's signed Thomas, now BB has to find another guy like that. Don't be surprised if the A's platoon Kielty against LH pitchers and some one else against RH pitchers, do I hear DJ? Stranger things have happened.

by china bob on Nov 15, 2006 9:52 PM PST up reply actions

Pat Burrell

The Phillies are essentially giving him away and w/o signing Thomas we have enough money to eat some of his salary. Who would you prefer? My vote is for a young (hopefully rejuvenated) Burrell.

by dp48 on Nov 15, 2006 9:02 PM PST reply actions

yea

we need pat the bat!

by dbeach13 on Nov 15, 2006 9:29 PM PST up reply actions

eric chavez

i would like to take this time to voice my appreciation for our six-time gold glover eric chavez. how many times have A's fans heard a player say they'd love to stay with the A's ... but leave for more money? (and i can't fault them for wanting more money especially when they're at frank's age.)

chavvy said he wanted to stay with the A's ... and he did. yes, he's still getting paid a lot of money by the A's but if he chose to test the market, i believe he would have gotten a lot more.

so thank you, chavvy, for being one of the rare players to keep his word and for being a great third baseman for our team!!!!

by gotgreen on Nov 15, 2006 9:04 PM PST reply actions

He didn't

have the heart to disappoint us.

by mikeA on Nov 15, 2006 9:09 PM PST up reply actions

Thanks gg for reminding us of a positive

by LilAnnieOaktown on Nov 15, 2006 9:11 PM PST up reply actions

Thank you Eric

Now get healthy and hit your ass off next year, we are going to need you badly. While you are getting healthy this offseason, please drop by Bobby's house and put him in a headlock until he promises to lay off outside sliders. As Tony would say, we need you, bitches!

I'd like to eat my lunch, but Billy just kicked me out of my office.

by BlameChannel53 on Nov 15, 2006 9:22 PM PST up reply actions

yes, that too.

lose some weight, rest those hamstrings and forearms and step it up next season, chavvy!!!!

by gotgreen on Nov 15, 2006 9:23 PM PST up reply actions

Pssst

You forgot the part about wrapping Crosby in bubble wrap first. ;-)

"We are a complete freak show." -- Billy Beane

by day-to-day on Nov 15, 2006 9:25 PM PST up reply actions

Actually

With those two....I'd probbaly say something different.

But, I guess Chavvy has bought some time in my mind b/c I think he gave us a gutty performance this year. And I guess in this modern, crazy-economic world of ball we're in, an honest effort is about as much as you can hope for.....cause you ain't getting loyalty!!!

I'll try not to swear.

by Tony on Nov 15, 2006 9:32 PM PST up reply actions

taking us back to 2004

our un-clutch, not-mexican-enough third baseman. :)

I <3 CHAVVY.

by gotgreen on Nov 15, 2006 9:22 PM PST up reply actions

Damn-

You post some great pictures, GG!

by mikeA on Nov 15, 2006 9:34 PM PST up reply actions

Add to conspiracy file:

"Oakland" is cropped out.

by southofcruiseamerica on Nov 15, 2006 9:50 PM PST up reply actions

Responsible opposing viewpoint

All true, Eric's choice reflected well on him then and still does now. Of course, Kotsay also took less to re-sign here than the market would have paid him. Nice guys, kudos, I'd buy 'em a drink, and so on. But they're both payroll sinkholes vis a vis performance.

"Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?" --Johnny Rotten

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Nov 15, 2006 9:33 PM PST up reply actions

Funny you wrote that

I was thinking the exact thing when I read that FT was close to signing with Toronto. I remember so vividly when FT was telling the newspaperman that money was not the issue, but how he appreciated BB giving him a chance, and loyalty, blah, blah, blah! Chavez is the only player I can remember who took less money to stay here, and as loyal A's fan we should remember that.

by china bob on Nov 15, 2006 9:54 PM PST up reply actions

AMEN!

Thank You Chavy!! We <3 You!!

"This is the best hug in the major leagues, right here!" - Swisher Pics

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Nov 15, 2006 10:35 PM PST up reply actions

HAHAHAHAHAHAHHA

This is disgusting. I'm over all that glass half full shit from last year. This off-season is like being on the Titanic, bitches!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll try not to swear.

by Tony on Nov 15, 2006 9:15 PM PST reply actions

But he's not clutch enough.

Nor Mexican enough.

DUH.

:p

"You're just jealous. You wish you had a rally animal..." -CardinalWraith

by Boonee on Nov 15, 2006 9:15 PM PST reply actions

I guessed 2/20 or 3/24...

...and even that was low. He's got the potential to be worth every penny or break his ankle and miss the duration of that contract. I don't think Beane was going to match this when he started with 2/6 guaranteed with incentives.

This will keep him at the blackjack tables long into his retirement.

Beware the coming press conference about 'respect.'

by Stealfirstbase on Nov 15, 2006 9:16 PM PST reply actions

good gawd, it never ends...

A's baseball drama all freaking year long...no rest.

rip 2006, it was nice while it lasted.

by ak_A on Nov 15, 2006 9:17 PM PST reply actions

Wow!

All this talk of texas and then the Jays come out of nowhere with this. Unbelievable, they have to overpay because nobody wants to play in Canada. Thanks for the great year Big man, I really wanted to see you hit #500 in green and gold, but you arent worth that much.

"...we don't score six, seven runs. We score three, four runs and play defense and pitch" - Eric Chavez

by pickinmachine on Nov 15, 2006 9:31 PM PST reply actions

Taxes are hire in

socialist Canada is why they have to pay a liiile more.

by Salvatore on Nov 15, 2006 10:49 PM PST up reply actions

Top rate on federal income tax

in Canada is 29%. Top rate in USA is 35%. As a generality your statement is incorrect.

Ontario has a 17.1% top rate, which is much more than any state, but combine federal with state/provincial and it's not a big difference.

For example, California's top rate is 9.3% with an additional 1% on income over $1 million. That makes marginal rate of 45.3% vs 46.1%. For total tax the difference is larger, but still not huge. Less than the difference between here and Florida or Texas.

"...but we're also always open to hearing about other sandwiches if it can make our lunch better." -- Nico, channeling Billy Beane

by iglew on Nov 16, 2006 1:21 AM PST up reply actions

see ya frank

if he is offered 2-3 years, at over $10m per, there is no way in hell we should match, unless much of the money is based on plate appearances. and i highly doubt that will be the case. this will suck, hopefully billy can pull offense out of the air, but if not, 2007 will be a very tough year. can't hate on frank for going for the money - though toronto's turf is not a good idea for him. this is a business, you know. it's one thing if we're talking about a few dollars, but if the a's can only offer 2/15 and toronto and texas are looking at 2/23 or 3/30, that's a huge difference. and hey, the white sox did frank a little dirty w/ those diminishing performance clauses.

"welcome to ME, motherf*^*er!" - tim hudson

by guy incognito on Nov 15, 2006 9:59 PM PST reply actions

Frank Thomas

WTF?!?!?! Do you know how much we A's fans love you??? STAY IN OAKLAND!!! SCREW CANADA!!!

by iloveoakland on Nov 15, 2006 10:02 PM PST reply actions

BONDS...

Yeah, Jerry Crasnick is saying with Thomas heading out the door, Barry (Bonds) might be the next DH. Psh, what a bunch of mularkey

by hans @ Athletics Nation on Nov 15, 2006 10:12 PM PST reply actions

Would not surprise me

I think Alou, Durazo and Jose Guillen also have suddenly become more interesting to Billy.

I'd like to eat my lunch, but Billy just kicked me out of my office.

by BlameChannel53 on Nov 15, 2006 10:41 PM PST up reply actions

You guys have got to check out this video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlTvSUCCqPo

by 1991batboy on Nov 15, 2006 10:40 PM PST reply actions

Um...

Yeah... Done and Done!

"This is the best hug in the major leagues, right here!" - Swisher Pics

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Nov 15, 2006 10:47 PM PST up reply actions

I just heard on ESPN radio

Fank Thomas was given a counter offer by the A's and he rejected it. Three years and thirty million from Toronto is looking like the Big Hurt's pax de duex curtain call in Oakland.

Bummer...........................

by mrod on Nov 15, 2006 11:09 PM PST reply actions

People?

Please quit mentioning Durazo. The guy is washed up.

by IM4Oakgal on Nov 15, 2006 11:17 PM PST reply actions

Not sure about that

His 2004 season was fantastic. He got hurt in ST in 2005, and has not been healthy since. If he is healthy (seems to be from Mexico appearance and performance), he could be something. Doubt he would cost much, and we may not have many other options. I would love to hear any scouting info on him to know where his bat speed is.

I'd like to eat my lunch, but Billy just kicked me out of my office.

by BlameChannel53 on Nov 15, 2006 11:21 PM PST up reply actions

Didn't he do a short stint with the Yankees

this last year? and flop?

by IM4Oakgal on Nov 15, 2006 11:23 PM PST up reply actions

Not healthy

I followed his progress the best I could throughout 2006, and every scouting report I read on him indicated that he was not healthy. If he is healthy now, he could rebound. I assume he's healthy now, but I don't have any actual scouting reports to back up my claim.

I'd like to eat my lunch, but Billy just kicked me out of my office.

by BlameChannel53 on Nov 15, 2006 11:56 PM PST up reply actions

I don't know about that

I'd take a look-see on him if he's cheap.

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Nov 16, 2006 9:18 AM PST up reply actions

what a backstabbing bitch

after we give him a chance to revitalize his career that's how he treats us? Honestly we need a bat and i wouldn't mind seeing the A's go after Barry for DH. Say all you want, he'd put fans in seats and hit more than a few bombs.

by rsur5 on Nov 16, 2006 12:32 AM PST reply actions

Huh?

He is a backstabbing bitch because he is going to take $30 million?? Give me a break....who the hell wouldnt take that huge cash? We only signed him for a year and he played his freaking ass off for that year for us....He only owed us that year. Backstabbing bitch is such a load of crap.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Nov 16, 2006 1:09 AM PST up reply actions

yep

The A's and Frank both made out like bandits. We got a year of great production, a year of mentorship for our young hitters, and a playoff series win for $3.1 million. Frank got the chance to prove himself, and he gets $23-30 million out of it. As long as Frank doesn't go all bitchy in his press conference, I have no problem with him. Nobody owes anybody anything here.

I'd like to eat my lunch, but Billy just kicked me out of my office.

by BlameChannel53 on Nov 16, 2006 1:17 AM PST up reply actions

People on this site

Are way too carelessly throwing around words like "backstab" or "greedy" or "selfish" or "heartless" or, really, I could go on, but I won't, lately.

I think we all need to calm down on the reactionary stuff.

there's simply no club like the white elephant club

by walk off bunt on Nov 16, 2006 9:25 AM PST up reply actions

AERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGG

I just got a Frank Thomas jersey in the mail.... TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rickey Henderson: 35, 24, hall of fame!

by Athletics fan and runner on Nov 16, 2006 12:47 AM PST reply actions

wow

uh, return to sender?

"We don't want haddock and chips, we want cod. In cod we trust." --Ghostigital, the pride of Iceland

by Cutthemullet on Nov 16, 2006 1:45 AM PST up reply actions

I aquired a Durazo jersey

The winter that he left also.

I knew that there was a good chance that the A's would lose thomas and thus the jersey was very cheap, but man... to get it the day the news breaks was harsh.

Rickey Henderson: 35, 24, hall of fame!

by Athletics fan and runner on Nov 16, 2006 9:10 AM PST up reply actions

really...

with roster turnover, the only safe A's threads to buy are Chavez jerseys and Beane flip-flops.

"We don't want haddock and chips, we want cod. In cod we trust." --Ghostigital, the pride of Iceland

by Cutthemullet on Nov 16, 2006 1:46 AM PST up reply actions

If those numbers are real...

...Toronto is crazy. I'd think Beane was nuts too if he matched even their low offer. $20 mil and a 2 year deal on TURF?

Bye Frank. That's a great offer for you, in all seriousness; you had better take it.

We'll be looking elsewhere.

Ho hum. Just another day for the OAKLAND ATHLETICS OF AWESOME! ~Kyli

by baseballgirl on Nov 16, 2006 1:11 AM PST reply actions

can't we

perhaps pick up J. Dye???

Beane's World!! Excellent!!! Rock On, Beane! Rock On, Geren!

by Satchmo22 on Nov 16, 2006 4:29 AM PST reply actions

nope

Not a free agent. CWS picked up his option. Now, he's a steal for the Sox in '07.

by Aaron C on Nov 16, 2006 6:23 AM PST up reply actions

All I can add

is

completely expected

by forester on Nov 16, 2006 5:36 AM PST reply actions

agreed

I'm old enough to have followed Frank from his first year in old Comiskey and he's always been about the money. And, I don't say that disrespectfully or with any bitterness.

I'm shocked that so many people are surprised by this. This was the absolute best case scenario for the A's when they signed him. He kicks ass in Oakland, then cashes in.

Does no one remember John Jaha? In '99, he overcame years of injuries to put up a monster year. Beane gives him two guaranteed years and Jaha, predictably, is on the DL almost the whole time.

I'd have offered Thomas 1 guaranteed year with a $5M base and loads of incentives that could take the total value to the $8M-10M range. Physically limited, but still skilled DHs shouldn't get the benefit of the doubt.

Good luck with that, Toronto.

by Aaron C on Nov 16, 2006 6:29 AM PST up reply actions

Who wouldnt be about the money in this case??

If he supposed to turn down $31 million freaking dollars because he likes the A's?? This is certainly his last contract, who the hell wouldnt cash in for the last time?

You say it like it is a bad thing....no one in their right mind would turn down a 31 million dollar, THREE year deal at his age and injury status.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Nov 16, 2006 9:03 AM PST up reply actions

Huh...

Funny...I thought I went out of my way to say this wasn't a bad thing ("best case scenario") and that I don't blame Thomas for taking the money that the Jays offered him.

I'm glad the A's got a healthy, productive year out of Thomas, but I'm ecstatic that they won't be paying him gobs of guaranteed money for the next 2 or 3 years.

by Aaron C on Nov 16, 2006 9:35 AM PST up reply actions

Juan Pierre

Lets get him to replace Thomas. The exact opposite.... and no one will be expecting it...muhuhuhaha.

Gas to Chicago- $23.87 A's/White Sox Tix- $28 Watching the A's whipping the Sox in July 05'- Priceless

by WiscoFan on Nov 16, 2006 6:58 AM PST reply actions

This is just as well, and increasingly inevitable

Frank Thomas gets his final big payday. I can't fault him for that. I, too, will change will tune a bit if he acts pissy at his press conference or later. Otherwise, good for him.

The A's got a great deal last year, and bringing him back - even at Billy Beane's preferred price - would have been risky. Even healthy, the performances of superstar players like Thomas start declining in their late 30s (Bonds, of course, is the steroid-fueled exception).

At $10 million or more a season, Thomas is simply a bad bet. And on turf?

When Thomas is on the disabled list because he turned his ankle just the wrong way, I will take a certain twisted amusement out of it.

That said, Thomas' departure leaves the A's depleted offense looking rather sad. There is simply no replacement for his 2006 level of production out there. Bonds is fools' gold, by the way. Even on whatever he's taking, and ignoring his personality, Bonds isn't Thomas' equal now. He's just an old guy, who admittedly still walks a lot, hanging on to break a record.

by bear88 on Nov 16, 2006 9:06 AM PST reply actions

I wonder if Thomas

would be more likely to stick around if Ron Washington was our new manager...

Nature's first green is gold...

by prana160 on Nov 16, 2006 9:31 AM PST reply actions

if that is the case

it's just as well both of them are out of oakland.

"If the fans don't come out to the ball park, you can't stop them."- Yogi Berra.

by bigelephant on Nov 16, 2006 10:11 AM PST up reply actions

the only good thing about this news

is that he's not going to a division rival.

by gotgreen on Nov 16, 2006 9:38 AM PST reply actions

more good news

Not so. Now we won't need to watch Frank turn doubles into singles, then clog the bases for the batters behind him. This will be some consolation, assuming he's replaced by someone less incapacitated (more capacitated?). And for god's sake Billy, no Barry freakshow Bonds.

by skutch on Nov 16, 2006 10:45 AM PST up reply actions

clogging the bases

really, I don't think that term is a good argument. Yeah, Thomas was and will be a very poor base runner but I would rather have him on base than an extra out being made by a fast guy at bat. The clogging the bases argument hinges on the false premise that it is better to have a fast guy on bast only 30% of the time than it is to have a slow guy on base 38% of the time.

Rickey Henderson: 35, 24, hall of fame!

by Athletics fan and runner on Nov 16, 2006 10:54 AM PST up reply actions

clogged bases

Are those my only choices?

My real point is that Thomas is now a one-dimensional player (hit with power). Perhaps Billy will fill the hole with a more complete player, still get some power, and pick up some depth.

by skutch on Nov 16, 2006 11:08 AM PST up reply actions

Yeah, who wants 39 home runs

When you could watch Juan Pierre diddle around on the base paths when he (rarely) gets on.

I know you're not trying to make that argument, so don't take it personally or anything, I just can't even stand seeing the words "clogging the bases" since it's almost 99% of the time associated with something moronic being said.

there's simply no club like the white elephant club

by walk off bunt on Nov 16, 2006 12:22 PM PST up reply actions

Well played, Mr. Hurt.

I cannot believe that Toronto is going to pay you that much, but I'd like to hire your agent.

The only way the A's could even think about matching this offer is if Frank would be willing to include a clause that voids the contract if his ankle breaks again. And even then, I don't think it makes sense. It guarantees that Bobby Kielty is our everyday LF next year. Heck, I don't even know if we could afford KIELTY if we give Frank that kind of coin.

Thanks for a great season, and congratulations on the big pay day.

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Nov 16, 2006 11:15 AM PST reply actions

You can't blame, Frank

Also, he was probably really dissapointed that Washington was rejected as A's manager like a lot of the other A's players who loved Wash--as with a lot of us on AN. And, I agree with Beane not to pay Frank millions, anyway. It's time to give the young guys a chance, the top prospects--they can run and they come relatively cheap.

by Salvatore on Nov 16, 2006 11:47 AM PST reply actions

We're having one helluva off-season, eh?

In other news, Marco Scutaro is getting $9 million a year from the Boston Red Sox so that, along with Ortiz, they could have the best two clutch hitters in the game. Mark Kotsay is retiring to become a commentator on the YES Network. Nick Swisher is defecting to professional wrestling because at least with Vince McMahon, you don't have to pay for the drinks in the locker room.

Seriously, how else can the A's get screwed/screw themselves before next season?

Zito: I would never bet against this team. First of all because it's against the rules...

by Joey C. on Nov 16, 2006 12:06 PM PST reply actions