01/26/2004 12:07 PM ET
Thomas prefers quiet offseason
Slugger shuns spotlight of rumors, speculation
By Scott Merkin / MLB.com
Frank Thomas hit 42 homers in 2003, one shy of his 2000 career high. (AP Photo)
LAS VEGAS –- Out of sight. Out of mind. Out of harm’s way.
It’s a mantra that makes sense for most average citizens in this country. Then again, there’s nothing average about Frank Thomas, from the White Sox designated hitter’s massive physical presence right on down to his ability to hit the baseball 480 feet.
Thomas' high profile certainly helps explain why he became the center of attention earlier this offseason, despite not having uttered a single word on the record since the final weekend of the regular season in Kansas City. The issue started at Ozzie Guillen’s first press conference as the team’s new manager in early November, when he used Thomas as an example while making the point that he expects all 25 players on the roster to play his way.
Afterward, some wondered about Thomas’ state of mind. Was he seething in regards to Guillen, especially after a great 2003 campaign in which he hit 42 home runs and drove home 105, all the while sparking the team into contention in the American League Central? Was he simply ignoring the critique?
Third-base coach Joey Cora, a former teammate of Thomas, much like Guillen, spoke to Thomas shortly after his hiring. He reported absolutely no disdain coming from the big man, even a high level of excitement for the new season. His words were the only proof for White Sox fans.
But still nothing directly from the "Big Hurt" himself. It became a main topic of conversation during Guillen’s 30-minute meeting with the media at the Winter Meetings in New Orleans, where Guillen alternately praised Thomas but also stuck to his one for all and all for one philosophy.
It was a line of questioning that seemed to mildly exasperate White Sox general manager Ken Williams.
“For whatever reason, there’s still some life to it,” said Williams of the Thomas’ controversy during one of his own media session in New Orleans. “Maybe that’s simply because (Guillen) keeps getting asked.
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"Let's give it a rest and wait until Spring Training to ignite it again. But one of the reasons Ozzie got this job was that he's his own man. He's going to look you in the eye and tell you what’s in his heart and mind. If you are working under him, you can either accept it or reject it. I have faith in him to lead the club."
-- GM Ken Williams
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“Let’s give it a rest and wait until Spring Training to ignite it again,” he added. “But one of the reasons Ozzie got this job was that he’s his own man. He’s going to look you in the eye and tell you what’s in his heart and mind. If you are working under him, you can either accept it or reject it. I have faith in him to lead the club.”
A few weeks ago at his gym in Henderson, about 15 minutes outside of Las Vegas, Thomas appeared to be in great condition and equally great spirit, ready for another 40-home run season, or ready to return to his collegiate football days and suit up for Carolina at tight end this weekend in the Super Bowl.
Thomas simply shuns the spotlight during the offseason, and it’s a well-deserved respite.
While the White Sox were in the stretch drive of the 2003 season, battling Minnesota and Kansas City for the Central Division title, there were some late home games where Thomas would speak to the media four different times -- one session with some early-going television crews, one before batting practice, one after batting practice for anything or anyone that slipped through the cracks and then usually one after the game. Thomas rarely turned down a request, not to mention meeting with dignitaries who might be singing the National Anthem or throwing out the first pitch on that particular day.
In this day and age of Internet content, radio freelancers who specifically get paid to get a sound bite from the team’s top player and the usual local television stations and daily newspapers, such is the plague upon the team’s top player. That’s still Thomas’ position on the White Sox.
“Frank gets hassled (by the media) all year long, so you can’t blame him for wanting some time to himself during the offseason,” White Sox outfielder Aaron Rowand, who also lives in Las Vegas, said of Thomas.
“This is a guy who has been in the league for a long time and he’s a pro athlete, so Frank is responsible for getting Frank up. I don’t think anyone else should have to take a position of trying to fire him up.
“God willing, he will finish his career strong and make a good case for being a Hall of Famer,” Rowand added. “His numbers are second to none to pretty much anyone else.”
Rowand said Thomas was "one of the nicest guys that I’ve had the opportunity to play with in this game.” He’s a superstar without a superstar attitude, Rowand says.
Thomas was very friendly when approached, even in his sanctuary away from the press. He easily could have walked away, said “See you in Tucson” and began his intense workout. But he stopped and talked for close to 10 minutes.
He talked briefly about enjoying his offseason free time and the down time before the season started. Although working out five days per week doesn’t sound much like down time.
He did not, however, want to talk about the hoopla surrounding Guillen.
“No. I’ll wait until Spring Training,” Thomas said as he headed toward an exercise bike.
He’s in serious training to let his bat do most of the talking once again in 2004.
Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to approval by Major League Baseball or its clubs.
