Comments on: Maybe Frank Thomas Is an ‘I Guy’

By: HGH

HGH — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:42:19 +0000

its better for player to not comment like this

By: Gene

Gene — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 03:39:14 +0000

There are valid financial arguments that have been made above on behalf of both sides.

The bottom line is that Frank Thomas has no legitimate grounds for not shaking hands with his teammates after Saturday’s win. They were not involved in his dispute with management. Thus, he is obviously an “I” guy.

By: SpinMax

SpinMax — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:24:03 +0000

I’m always in favour of bringing up a prospect versus signing a declining pro for 10 times the money. Why not use Adam Lind? Travis Snider would be a great replacement, he’s a masher.

Detroit is in a situation right now where they’ll have to send down a hot SP in Galarraga in order to bring back Willis. WHY?! Let him keep going! So what if Willis or Robertson miss a couple starts, that’s just more rest for later in the year.

By: Ace

Ace — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:14:04 +0000

I was writing from Frank Thomas’ side to rationalize his anger at being benched. It was more than just the money. From the Jays’ side, of course it’s about the money. But for Frank, I think it wasn’t just that he wasn’t gonna get that bonus. Ya that was a big part of it, but it wasn’t the only thing. This is of course my opinion, i dunno what’s goin through his head. But just putting myself in his place, i wouldn’t want to leave a game i love so much no matter how old I am. Sorry, just wanted to clarify what I meant.

By: Alan Hull

Alan Hull — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 20:15:01 +0000

I’m calling it now, Hurt resigns with the A’s who make a decent run at the AL West and the Jays sign Barry to make a decent run at the AL East. My one reservation is, if the Jays released Hurt for character, why go sign the Anti-Character, himself.

By: Larry Brown

Larry Brown — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:05:13 +0000

Ace, I really don’t believe in good faith that the Blue Jays think a Rod Barajas/Matt Stairs DH platoon is more effective than Thomas. I really think it was financially motivated as Tecmo says.

By: tecmo

tecmo — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:56:19 +0000

But it IS about the money, as far as the organization is concerned. Frank was due to hit some contract milestones just for getting a certain number of at bats this season. Frank is a notorious slow starter, and the Jays decided to use this year’s start as reason to keep Frank from reaching those plateaus, thus not having to pay the contract bonuses that would’ve kicked in. Why else would you choose Matt Stairs or some kid up from Triple-A over the Big Hurt?

When you are one of 4 players in baseball history with a .300 average, 500 home runs, 1,500 RBIs, 1,000 runs and 1,500 walks (along with Ott, Ruth and Williams), you have all right to be pissed when the organization screws you. I know Toronto needs their players to produce in order to keep up in the East, but the contract bonus situation really sours their side of the story.

By: Ace

Ace — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:39:50 +0000

I think it goes beyond the money. In my opinion part of the complaining from Thomas was probably triggered by the realization that it’s not his game anymore. He’s being moved aside for younger players. If Thomas isn’t producing, then a team would rather use his spot to develop one of its young sluggers. And that’s how it’s going to be any team he goes to go. I’m not worried for him though, someone is going to sign him.