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Frank Thomas Released

Christopher Solberg, Editor
4/21/2008

The Blue Jays have released the once vaunted slugger, Frank Thomas.  Thomas, a career .302 hitter with 516 home runs, was off to a horrible start.  In 60 at-bats this season, he was hitting .167, with three home runs and only a .333 slugging percentage.  The Jays are on the hook for Thomas’ $8 million salary this season, but by making this move now, would save $10 million next season as he has a vesting option for 2009 based on a very reachable 304 of plate appearances.

His departure likely means that prospect Adam Lind will be called up.  Lind has been on an early tear in Triple-A this season, hitting .360, with 3 home runs and a 1.051 OPS.  He’s also a better fielder than Shannon Stewart or Matt Stairs.  The three will probably rotate between the leftfield and DH spots in the lineup for the time being.

Thomas hits the market as not that highly desired of a hitter as he once was.  Although he’s well known to be a slow starter, at 41 years of age many teams are doubtful that he will be much of an improvement over what they already have.  He’s also limited to DH duties as his defense at first base has declined over the years.

The only two teams that would presumably have interest would be the Oakland A’s and the Seattle Mariners.  The A’s currently have Jack Cust struggling in the DH spot hitting .157 on the season so far.  But he had a .912 OPS last year for the A’s and he also more likely to come out of the slump than the aging Thomas. 

The Mariners have Jose Vidro hitting a lackluster .208 in the spot.  Even though he hit .314 last season, the Mariners might look to upgrade on his lack of power.  But doing this would effectively block prospect Jeff Clement from cutting his teeth in the Majors.  Clement is on fire for Triple-A Tacoma, hitting .393 with a 1.218 OPS.  Clement, a catcher by trade, is blocked by Kenji Johjima behind the plate, making the DH spot an ideal spot for Clement to get used to Major League pitchers before concentrating on his activities behind the plate.

Frankly, you don’t have much for options Frank.

 

 

 

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