southsider2k5 Posted October 30, 2003 Share Posted October 30, 2003 Frank Thomas has a decision to make Thursday, but it doesn't figure to be a difficult one. Thomas will decide whether to return to the White Sox for 2004 and beyond. Even if Thomas wanted a fresh start, sentiment invariably takes a back seat to common sense when millions of dollars are involved. If Thomas returns, he would be guaranteed $6 million in 2004, at least $8 million in 2005 and a $3.5 million buyout after the 2005 season. That's $17.5 million guaranteed for the next two years. Think any other team wants Thomas badly enough to exceed that? Sure, Thomas hit 42 homers last season, one shy of his career high. But he will turn 36 in May and National League teams could be reluctant to make him a full-time first baseman. Plus there's a perception, fair or not, that Thomas isn't much of a team player. A year ago, Thomas tested free agency after the Sox invoked the famous "diminished skills" clause in his old contract. Although agent Arn Tellem claimed that at least five teams—one in the National League and four in the American—showed interest in Thomas, the two-time MVP returned to the Sox with a four-year deal that included three mutual option years. Because Thomas remains Sox property, Tellem, who hasn't returned phone calls all week, technically is forbidden from asking other teams what they might bid for Thomas. But with several teams promising to slash their payrolls, it's clear this year's market could prove even bleaker for free agents than last year's. Texas plans to cut its budget from $104 million to around $75 million. San Francisco reportedly will trim $8 million off its $85 million payroll. The Mets will go from $117 million to around $95 million. Atlanta will trim from $102 to about $95 million and Arizona reportedly will lop off about $14 million from the $94 million it spent this year. Keeping that in mind, here are Thomas' possible suitors, ranked in order of probability: Anaheim: First baseman Scott Spiezio ($4.25 million in '03) has filed for free agency and the team is pledging to boost its payroll $10 million. But Tim Salmon is becoming a full-time DH and Darin Erstad might be moved to first. Boston: First basemen Kevin Millar and David Ortiz (a bargain last year at $1.25 million) are under contract. As is Manny Ramirez, at $20.2 million, though he was placed on irrevocable waivers Wednesday night. Los Angeles: Dan Evans might want to reunite with Thomas, but because a sale of the team is pending approval, Evans might not be the general manager a month from now. The Dodgers are desperate for offense after averaging 3.54 runs per game last season and have no first baseman in the picture. But important personnel decisions are weeks, if not months, away. Atlanta: Julio Franco is a free agent and North Side villain Robert Fick might not be tendered a contract, so the Braves do have a need at first. But they're cutting payroll and have a decent prospect, Adam LaRoche, in the minors. Thomas is a native of Columbus, Ga., so signing with the perennial National League East champs could have tremendous appeal. Baltimore: After lopping Albert Belle and Scott Erickson from the payroll, the Orioles will have as much as $25 million in disposable funds. But the Orioles already have first baseman/DH David Segui at $7 million next season and could move Jay Gibbons to DH if they sign an outfielder. Baltimore is said to covet big-name free agents such as Vladimir Guerrero, Miguel Tejada, Ivan Rodriguez, Kevin Millwood and Bartolo Colon. A more likely first base target is Rafael Palmeiro. The Yankees: First baseman Nick Johnson is affordable, left-handed and patient at the plate. DH Jason Giambi isn't going anywhere after an off year and off-season knee surgery. Seattle: Will pay first baseman John Olerud $7.7 million next year and is expected to bring back DH Edgar Martinez. The Mariners have little money to spend on free agents. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliSoxFan Posted October 30, 2003 Share Posted October 30, 2003 Frank's back don't know if this has been posted yet, but I found this on espn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winninguglyin83 Posted October 30, 2003 Share Posted October 30, 2003 aren't we all lucky!!!!!!!!!!!! so who gets shipped now -- Konerko, Maggs or El Caballo? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BridgeportHeather Posted October 30, 2003 Share Posted October 30, 2003 aren't we all lucky!!!!!!!!!!!! so who gets shipped now -- Konerko, Maggs or El Caballo? Not Carlos...He's on an upswing and is definitely a keeper for a while! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsider2k5 Posted October 30, 2003 Author Share Posted October 30, 2003 aren't we all lucky!!!!!!!!!!!! so who gets shipped now -- Konerko, Maggs or El Caballo? Not Carlos...He's on an upswing and is definitely a keeper for a while! Problem is his salary is going to start going up big time. He got paid $3.3 mil this year and is looking at least $5 this year, plus some big raises in the next couple years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rex Hudler Posted October 30, 2003 Share Posted October 30, 2003 aren't we all lucky!!!!!!!!!!!! so who gets shipped now -- Konerko, Maggs or El Caballo? Not Carlos...He's on an upswing and is definitely a keeper for a while! Problem is his salary is going to start going up big time. He got paid $3.3 mil this year and is looking at least $5 this year, plus some big raises in the next couple years. If salaries at the highest levels continue to level off, eventually that will affect mid-range salaries as well. Could happen as soon as a year or two from now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BridgeportHeather Posted October 30, 2003 Share Posted October 30, 2003 aren't we all lucky!!!!!!!!!!!! so who gets shipped now -- Konerko, Maggs or El Caballo? Not Carlos...He's on an upswing and is definitely a keeper for a while! Problem is his salary is going to start going up big time. He got paid $3.3 mil this year and is looking at least $5 this year, plus some big raises in the next couple years. The question that lies in that is could we find someone to take his place for less with the same or more skill than he possesses? Rowand has a while before he gets there, and guys like Ramierez will cost up the ass. He's worth the amount of which he is asking for. He's gonna be even better than last year next year offensively and defensively. He's consistently improving and will become an elite player before long. I've got very high visions for Carlos! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsider2k5 Posted October 30, 2003 Author Share Posted October 30, 2003 aren't we all lucky!!!!!!!!!!!! so who gets shipped now -- Konerko, Maggs or El Caballo? Not Carlos...He's on an upswing and is definitely a keeper for a while! Problem is his salary is going to start going up big time. He got paid $3.3 mil this year and is looking at least $5 this year, plus some big raises in the next couple years. The question that lies in that is could we find someone to take his place for less with the same or more skill than he possesses? Rowand has a while before he gets there, and guys like Ramierez will cost up the ass. He's worth the amount of which he is asking for. He's gonna be even better than last year next year offensively and defensively. He's consistently improving and will become an elite player before long. I've got very high visions for Carlos! It has nothing to do with if we can replace Carlos, and if he is worth the money. The problem is will Carlos's exponentially increasing salaries fit into the Sox budget along with the other money we have already committed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flash Tizzle Posted October 30, 2003 Share Posted October 30, 2003 Excerpts from the MLB article. 10/30/2003 2:30 PM ET Frank Thomas exercises his option to return to Sox in 2004 CHICAGO -- Designated hitter/first baseman Frank Thomas has informed the Chicago White Sox that he will exercise his player option and return to the team in 2004. "After weighing our options, we felt the best decision for Frank was to return to the White Sox," said Arn Tellem, Thomas' agent. "I know Frank would like nothing better than to help the White Sox win a World Series title." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CWSOX45 Posted October 30, 2003 Share Posted October 30, 2003 On MLB.com, In a very small heading under the story concerning Manny there is a short message that claims its definate now that Thomas is staying with Sox in 04. Oh Joy!! CWSOX45 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capn12 Posted October 30, 2003 Share Posted October 30, 2003 aren't we all lucky!!!!!!!!!!!! so who gets shipped now -- Konerko, Maggs or El Caballo? Not Carlos...He's on an upswing and is definitely a keeper for a while! Problem is his salary is going to start going up big time. He got paid $3.3 mil this year and is looking at least $5 this year, plus some big raises in the next couple years. The question that lies in that is could we find someone to take his place for less with the same or more skill than he possesses? Rowand has a while before he gets there, and guys like Ramierez will cost up the ass. He's worth the amount of which he is asking for. He's gonna be even better than last year next year offensively and defensively. He's consistently improving and will become an elite player before long. I've got very high visions for Carlos! It has nothing to do with if we can replace Carlos, and if he is worth the money. The problem is will Carlos's exponentially increasing salaries fit into the Sox budget along with the other money we have already committed. Well, heres the decision...a 27 year old CLee who is improving every year, and just hitting his prime at around $5 mill, or a 29 year old Maggs who is at his prime right now at $14 mill. In my oopinion, if we can send Maggs to NYY for Soriano, I'm announcing that trade ASAP. I want CLee here for at least 2 more years, he should be the new #3 hitter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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