Which Way Will He Go?
Today, I’m going to look at possibly destinations for the recently unemployed Frank Thomas. I’ve identified three landing spots that I feel are the most likely spots, obviously all in the American League.
Oakland Athletics
This offense is terrible. Frank Thomas has obviously diminished. However, if signed by the A’s, the 39-year-old would likely be their 2nd best OBP threat (besides Daric Barton, rookie) as well as the second best power threat (Jack Cust, career minor leaguer). That’s sad.
Jack Cust would be ousted from the DH spot and forced into the outfield. (Or Cust’s .623 OPS may force him to the bench or a platoon role). This would be an instant defensive improvement. Cust and Emil Brown (.292/.309/.415) would see their at bats significantly reduced. A line-up involving Kurt Suzuki, Daric Barton, Mark Ellis, Jack Hannahan (or a healthy Chavez), Bobby Crosby, Frank Thomas, along with a strange amalgam of Travis Buck, Ryan Sweeney, Chris Denorfia, Jack Cust and Emil Brown would be the result. This is no murderer’s row, but is an improvement over what they’re throwing out there right now. The defense may be worse, but by no means bad. This may not even be an average line-up, but improvement is improvement.
This is certainly reasonable, as the A’s would certainly be willing to take Frank on. As with the last time they did, it will likely take no more than a minor league contract to get a deal done. As with the first time, an AL West division title is an attainable goal, as unlikely as that seemed at the beginning of the season. 18 games in the A’s are tied for first, and as I detailed earlier, the Angels may be vulnerable. Frank could make the difference.
Seattle Mariners
The M’s designated hitter is Jose Vidro, who hasn’t OPSed above .800 since 2004. Let’s chalk this up as an established need, shall we?
Unlike with the A’s, the effect on this line-up is simple, as the only change will be Jose Vidro moving to the bench. This equation is very simple. If we can assume that Frank Thomas is better than Jose Vidro (and if you put a lot of stock in Hurt’s struggles, keep in mind Vidro is doing even worse), then there is no risk. In all likelihood, Thomas will only cost the minimum.
I don’t believe the M’s are serious competitors, but my opinion is irrelevant. What’s important is that the Mariners think they can compete, and that is what should drive this move.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
The Rays’ DH is… nobody in particular. The RF/DH positions have been a combination of Jonny Gomes, Cliff Floyd and Eric Hinske. With Floyd’s injury, the Rays have two premium offensive positions to guys who should definitely not be everyday players. If Frank Thomas was the everyday DH, the Rays would then be able to have a productive RF platoon between Hinske (.269/.351/.463 vs. RHP the last 3 years) and Gomes (.299/.402/.551 vs. LHP).
The Rays recognize their need for a DH. They had internal discussions regarding Barry Bonds, but decided against it for the obvious reasons. Frank Thomas is essentially Bonds-lite; not nearly the hitter, but not nearly the baggage or the price tag either.
The possibility of the Rays competing has sparked a decent bit of debate. Some feet that they will finish behind because of an entirely relevant and not at all illogical reason; completely different variations of the Rays have finished low before.* Personally, I think that the players on the team matter far more than the history of the team name. By that logic, the Tampa Bay Rays have never finished last.
With a bevy of good young hitters and a terrific 1-4 in the rotation, I believe the Rays are within reach of WC-contention. Frank Thomas could be the difference, and that’s why I believe that Tampa is Frank’s best landing spot.
*The implication is that this is not relevant or logical.
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