Sun-Times article about Frank Thomas

[CSF]

Frank Thomas seems to have a beef at every spring training

 

 

 

Frank Thomas seems to have a beef at every spring training

 

February 22, 2004

 

By Greg Couch Staff Reporter Advertisement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ÒThat's poor, Frank." — Jerry Manuel, after Frank Thomas produced a doctor's note excusing him from participating in a drill.

 

 

ÒI'm not even probably in the top 50. I do have a problem with that. You can't have A-Rod making $25 million and we're coming in at $7, $8, $9 million." — Frank Thomas, on his $10 million salary.

 

 

ÒHe had no clue what was going on. If he had put 12 years in and won a few MVPs and done a lot better on this field, he would have wanted an explanation, too." — Frank Thomas, reacting to Paul Konerko's criticism of him in 2002.

 

 

One year, Frank Thomas brought a note from his doctor giving him permission to skip a conditioning drill because of an owie on his toe. Remember?

 

One year, he blew off his new general manager's inaugural address to the team and walked out of practices for six days, complaining that his $10 million-a-year salary was an insult:

 

"What's fair is fair,'' he said at the time.

 

And one year, last year, he ripped one of his own teammates and said the way he was being treated was a "slap in the face.''

 

What's it going to be this time, Frank?

 

Thomas is expected to join the Sox in workouts on Wednesday, and it has become a rite of spring training to watch the Big Hurt have a big spat. It has happened three of the last four years.

 

What could be the problem this year?

 

"You don't run the bases, you're done with me.''

 

That's what Ozzie Guillen said when he became the Sox' manager this offseason. It was a direct shot at Thomas, who some people felt needed a good kick in the pants. Play my way or don't play.

 

The team hasn't heard from Thomas since. They can't even get him to return their calls.

 

"Knowing Frank and knowing Ozzie, they both really want to win,'' said Jeff Torborg, who managed Thomas and Guillen for the Sox, and also hired Guillen as a coach in Montreal and then in Florida. "In their own way, both are very proud competitors.

 

"When they get the uniform on together, hopefully they will be on the same page. It'll work out fine. But, of course, I don't know for sure.''

 

Torborg is an optimist. But what did he mean, exactly, when he said Guillen and Thomas do things in their own way?

 

It seems that Guillen's way is to talk, talk, talk, sometimes slipping up. And Thomas' way is to listen, listen, listen, quickly taking offense. When they were teammates, Guillen often poked at Thomas, making jokes at a guy who takes everything seriously.

 

And personally.

 

"Nobody escapes Ozzie's barbs,'' Torborg said. "But if people take him real seriously, he recognizes that. That White Sox clubhouse will have energy.''

 

The year of the doctor's note was 2000. Thomas arrived saying he had had reconstructive toe surgery. During the previous season, Thomas had been ridiculed for being felled seemingly easily for a sore toe. And even manager-at-the-time Jerry Manuel had taken shots.

 

Spring of 2000 was to be fresh and new, and then the team was running a shuttle drill.

 

And Thomas produced The Note.

 

"That's poor, Frank,'' Manuel said.

 

It led to a two-hour screamfest between the two.

 

"That's a bunch of [deleted], and it had better stop,'' one of them, reportedly Thomas, was heard to yell. "I'm not having it.''

 

When it was over, they shook hands, and Thomas apologized to his teammates and told them to come to him when they need help or advice. He said he wasn't a "me-first guy'' and promised to be a team leader.

 

"We hashed that [toegate] and other things over,'' Thomas said. "Now it's time to move on.''

 

Frank had learned?

 

"Is it an issue because he didn't come? Yeah, he made it an issue because of not staying for the workout and [not] clarifying to everyone what his motivation is behind not coming.''

 

That's what Sox general manager Kenny Williams said in spring of 2001 when Thomas arrived but didn't stick around for Williams' little speech or for the first workout. Thomas said that Manuel had given him permission to leave.

 

But a six-day walkout turned out apparently to be about Thomas' puny $10 million salary. Other salaries around the league had skyrocketed, pushing him into a comparative poorhouse.

 

"I'm not even probably in the top 50,'' he said. "I do have a problem with that. You can't have A-Rod making $25 million and we're coming in at $7, $8, $9 million.''

 

Thomas wanted his contract renegotiated, with less money deferred. He also was upset over the clause that allowed the Sox to cut his pay to as little as $250,000, with $10.1 million deferred, if Thomas' performance dwindled. It became known as the diminished-skills clause.

 

Thomas' agents, Mike Moye and former pitcher Scott Sanderson, advised against the walkout. But Thomas walked, and then his agents dumped him.

 

The odd spring out was 2002. Thomas arrived and was asked about his troubles with former teammate David Wells. This is what Thomas said:

 

"Let bygones be bygones.''

 

What?

 

"It's over.''

 

What?

 

Had things gone right for the Sox in the final few weeks of the 2003 season, he might have even been the MVP.

 

But that doesn't mean there wasn't a spring blowup. His salary had been cut to $5 million under the diminished-skills clause. And he was still fuming over harsh words from teammate Paul Konerko over Thomas' reaction to being benched just before the 2002 All-Star Game.

 

"He had no clue what was going on,'' Thomas said. "If he had put 12 years in and won a few MVPs and done a lot better on this field, he would have wanted an explanation, too.''

 

Once again, Thomas started off the Sox' year in form.

 

"I've done things that people have never done before,'' he said, talking about his salary cut. "For me to be in the middle of the pack on salary on my own team, yeah, that's a slap in the face. I've earned the right to be at a certain level ... I've been slapped down a little, but I'm used to that.''

 

Does Thomas carry a grudge over the entire offseason? Or does pressure just build as a new season approaches? Whatever, for Thomas, the result is usually the same: a smack back at a perceived insult.

 

You don't run the bases, you're done with me?

 

See you Wednesday, Frank.

 

 

I expect this type of sludge from Kotex Boy, but I thought Greg Couch was a better writer than to write garbage like that. It's like they're hoping Frank and Ozzie try to kill each other.

[greasywheels121]

Yeah...I read this...They're just trying to start something...Garbage..... :headshake

[Rex Hudler]

I don't see a problem with that article at all. The fact is it is all true. Frank seems to create controversy each spring. It is no wonder writers will asking him questions that may cause another blowup this year. How Frank handles those questions will determine if this story can be written again next year.

[Rex Hudler]

I guarantee you if I was a sports writer I would be asking him:

 

1. "What do you think of what Ozzie said about you?"

2. "Do you think Ozzie singled you out in his press conference?"

3. "Do you think the fact that you and Ozzie didn't really get along as teammates will cause a problem in how y ou get along now?"

4. "Why didn't you return Ozzie or Kenny's phone calls this winter?"

5. "Would you accept a trade if they came to you and said they wanted to move you?"

6. "Is there any truth to the rumor that says you would be willing to go to Los Angeles if the Sox could make a deal?"

 

I'm sure there are a ton more I am not thinking of off the top of my head, but I guarantee you Frank will and should be asked every one of those questions or something similar in the first few days of Spring Training. IF Frank talks to reporters, that is......

[SnB]

Yeah...I read this...They're just trying to start something...Garbage..... :headshake

totally disagree with you on this. I agree with this article and I too am sick of this Frank garbage that goes on every spring.

[greasywheels121]

Oh I know the stuff did happen and all, but why must we continue to bring it up? It's in the past now. Will bringing this stuff up yet again help the team chemistry?

[SnB]

Oh I know the stuff did happen and all, but why must we continue to bring it up?  It's in the past now.  Will bringing this stuff up yet again help the team chemistry?

I'm pretty sure that Frank will bring this upon himself when he reports this week.

[southsider2k5]

What is this s***? Preemptive trouble making? We all know Frank's history. At least wait until Frank puts his size 16s in his mouth again before writing a rip job about the guy again.

[Rex Hudler]

What is this s***?  Preemptive trouble making?  We all know Frank's history.  At least wait until Frank puts his size 16s in his mouth again before writing a rip job about the guy again.

I disagree.... Every reporter, Sox player and coach and fan are all wondering what will happen when Frank reports Wednesday and faces Ozzie and the media. He is writing what many of us are thinking and giving historical references why it is newsworthy.

[southsider2k5]

I disagree.... Every reporter, Sox player and coach and fan are all wondering what will happen when Frank reports Wednesday and faces Ozzie and the media.  He is writing what many of us are thinking and giving historical references why it is newsworthy.

So how come no one has had the guts to write an Ordonez rip job because no one heard from him all winter? Or how about a Paul Konerko rip job because no one has heard from him?

 

God I can't wait until they start playing so these reporters have something for real to write about.

[Rex Hudler]

So how come no one has had the guts to write an Ordonez rip job because no one heard from him all winter?  Or how about a Paul Konerko rip job because no one has heard from him? 

 

God I can't wait until they start playing so these reporters have something for real to write about.

Because Ozzie and KW weren't making a big deal out of Ordonez or Konerko and those two don't have the history Frank does. C'mon, you really think people are wondering if there is going to be a blowup between Maggs and Ozzie on Wednesday??

[SkokieSox]

Because Ozzie and KW weren't making a big deal out of Ordonez or Konerko and those two don't have the history Frank does.  C'mon, you really think people are wondering if there is going to be a blowup between Maggs and Ozzie on Wednesday??

Besides we know what Maggs is doing. We have had contact with him, and know the reason he wasn't at Sox Fest was because of winter ball. Even though he doesn't want to discuss a contract until after the season, he at least commented that he would like to remain with the Sox. Konerko got married, and KW was well aware what his situation is. Frank, we're not so sure of that just yet. I think he will go into ST and everything will play out okay, but I certainly understand a concern that it won't.

[cwsox]

I don't see a problem with that article at all.  The fact is it is all true.  Frank seems to create controversy each spring.  It is no wonder writers will asking him questions that may cause another blowup this year.  How Frank handles those questions will determine if this story can be written again next year.

My problem is that the article rehashes the past without a clue or without any new insights into what will happen this year and as such was a waste of time to read - and write.

[Rex Hudler]

My problem is that the article rehashes the past without a clue or without any new insights into what will happen this year and as such was a waste of time to read - and write.

I think it set the tone for what may be to come on Wednesday... Columns are more opinion than anything else. Adding something new or positive is not always the point, nor does it have to be.

[fattyguy78]

I think it set the tone for what may be to come on Wednesday...  Columns are more opinion than anything else.  Adding something new or positive is not always the point, nor does it have to be.

I think he could have easily have set the tone for what MAY HAPPEN in a different way...he didn't have to write a whole article bashing Frank on what has happened in the past. BoZo the Clown MAY become president...i MAY change my name to skinnyguy78 if i drop 10 pounds and the White Sox MAY go 162-0....all these are maybe's and no more true than what this article has to say about the situation that MAY occur on Wednesday...all this guy did was write an article about something that never happened and based it on facts that happened years ago

[fattyguy78]

Besides we know what Maggs is doing. We have had contact with him, and know the reason he wasn't at Sox Fest was because of winter ball. Even though he doesn't want to discuss a contract until after the season, he at least commented that he would like to remain with the Sox. Konerko got married, and KW was well aware what his situation is. Frank, we're not so sure of that just yet. I think he will go into ST and everything will play out okay, but I certainly understand a concern that it won't.

Well we know that Frank has been working out everyday all off-season...mostly with Rowand...why is there a double standard here??? It's ok cause Maggs is playin ball in Mexicoa and Konerko got married...but it's not ok cause Frank spends his time working out??? Come on....

[Rex Hudler]

Well we know that Frank has been working out everyday all off-season...mostly with Rowand...why is there a double standard here???  It's ok cause Maggs is playin ball in Mexicoa and Konerko got married...but it's not ok cause Frank spends his time working out??? Come on....

No, because Ozzie said the things he did. And because KW follows that up with saying he is mad because Frank didn't return his phone calls. With Frank's history and Ozzie and KW's mouths, this article makes sense.

 

I don't get why people are offended at the truth. Everyone here is wondering if there will be fireworks between Frank and Ozzie on Wednesday.

[fattyguy78]

No, because Ozzie said the things he did.  And because KW follows that up with saying he is mad because Frank didn't return his phone calls.  With Frank's history and Ozzie and KW's mouths, this article makes sense. 

 

I don't get why people are offended at the truth.  Everyone here is wondering if there will be fireworks between Frank and Ozzie on Wednesday.

Ozzie did say the things he said, and in my opinion Frank took the high road by not going to the media and adding fuel to the fire, he just kept his mouth shut and kept doing the things he was supposed too, hell even Rowand said he wasn't angry and he wouldn't talk to anyone till ST.

 

I am not offended by truth of the article, and I know that wasn't directed solely at me. Frank is not perfect, far from it, everyone is. My point was that this writer was bringing up past history to bring fuel to a fire that is already burning well enough on its own. He is reporting on something that MAY or MAY NOT happen. We all know what went down this winter and what has happened in the past...why bring it up, and yes everyone is waiting to see what will occur on Wednesday, but why can't we just wish we could wait and see without bringing up s*** from years past?

[Rex Hudler]

I think he is just reporting on the potential fire everyone knows is there. Nothing wrong with bringing up FT's past history. It fits, in my mind.

[fattyguy78]

sorry about the above errors..i meant to say---I wish we could just wait and see what happens rather than bringing up s*** from the past that everybody already knows about

[fattyguy78]

I think he is just reporting on the potential fire everyone knows is there.  Nothing wrong with bringing up FT's past history.  It fits, in my mind.

I agree with the first part, I just fail to see the reasoning behind bringing up the past...a relationship will never get better if someone continues to do that...and on an unrelated note, I do not know how comfortable I feel with Ozzie telling Frank how to play the game, just based on their career #'s to date,

[Rex Hudler]

I agree with the first part, I just fail to see the reasoning behind bringing up the past...a relationship will never get better if someone continues to do that...and on an unrelated note, I do not know how comfortable I feel with Ozzie telling Frank how to play the game, just based on their career #'s to date,

It's not the reporters problem to worry about their relationship getting better. If it does, they will report it. If not, they will be their to report that it is not.

 

Secondly, how you play the game has nothing to do with statistics. The career numbers of Frank and Ozzie have nothing to do with the manager/player relationship.

[elrockinMT]

I think it set the tone for what may be to come on Wednesday...  Columns are more opinion than anything else.  Adding something new or positive is not always the point, nor does it have to be.

Sure Rex, it is newsworthy, but it is only because it's Frank Thomas that makes it so. My guess is that Frank may like the effect his not responding to every little criticism is causing these writers. There will be things to cover between Frank, Ozzie and KW come reporting time. I just don't see it as a major problem. Do you?

[fattyguy78]

It's not the reporters problem to worry about their relationship getting better.  If it does, they will report it.  If not, they will be their to report that it is not. 

 

Secondly, how you play the game has nothing to do with statistics.  The career numbers of Frank and Ozzie have nothing to do with the manager/player relationship.

I agree with the first part, however it would have never got to the media had the organization handled it correctly.

 

Secondly, I agree in part to what you are saying however, I do not consider Ozzie a manager, he has yet to manage a game yet on any level, not even little league.

And so far the way Frank has played the game doesn't bother me, anyone else upset about 42hrs and 105 rbi's for a 35 year old??

[Rex Hudler]

I just don't see it as a major problem. Do you?

Depends on how Frank handles himself this week. He could turn this into a positive and everyone could have a big laugh about it. My hunch is, that won't happen however.

 

And so far the way Frank has played the game doesn't bother me, anyone else upset about 42hrs and 105 rbi's for a 35 year old??

That's not what is meant by "the way" he plays. Ozzie was more referring to hustle, being team first, running out ground balls, hitting the ball the other way to move a runner, showing up to practice on time, being a good teammate, etc.

 

Those are some of the areas Frank has taken criticism (right or wrong) for in the past. His hitting skills have never been questioned (well, almost never).