White Sox Josh Posted July 30, 2005 Share Posted July 30, 2005 Article Notes: Thomas' future in question 07/29/2005 9:37 PM ET By Scott Merkin / MLB.com BALTIMORE -- The total of 500 home runs seems to be the magic number when talk of Hall of Fame-caliber players arises. There obviously are a few exceptions to that particular formula. Despite fast approaching 600 career long balls, it seems that Baltimore's Rafael Palmeiro didn't receive well-deserved respect as one of the game's elite until he surpassed 3,000 hits this season. Then, there's Frank Thomas, who possibly could have played his last Major League game after a new fracture was discovered in his left foot, as announced by Dr. Richard Ferkel on Friday. Even if Thomas has swung a bat for the final time, the consensus opinion is that Thomas will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. At least, it's a consensus held by the White Sox. "I still view him as a Hall of Famer," said hitting coach Greg Walker of Thomas and his 448 career home runs. "He's been such a great player for the White Sox organization. Frank, [Harold] Baines and a few other guys produced the greatest career of any White sox player." Thomas, 37, reiterated a desire to play until he was at least 40 during a recent interview on Sporting News Radio, although that interview took place before the new fracture was discovered. And while Dr. Ferkel emphasized in a press release that he does not feel Thomas' latest injury is career ending, Thomas himself said earlier this season that a second surgery would be a tough setback to overcome. So, let's say Thomas doesn't return. He would exit the game with a .307 average, 1,465 RBIs, 1,327 runs scored and 1,466 walks in 1,959 games with the White Sox. His home run total ranks 29th in baseball history and his walks place him 17th. Thomas has won two American League Most Valuable Player awards and the numbers in his prime were comparable to those produced by San Francisco's Willie McCovey. McCovey is a member of baseball's Hall of Fame. "This is something that Frank doesn't have to worry about because I think Frank is a Hall of Famer, even if he doesn't hit 500 home runs," manager Ozzie Guillen said of his former teammate. "But this is a shame. This kid was on a great track to have a pretty good year." End of an era? Guillen laid the onus on general manager Ken Williams in terms of a decision regarding Thomas completing his career with the White Sox. Guillen did point out the obvious fact that Thomas would have to prove himself healthy, after his second straight year with a season-ending injury. But count center fielder Aaron Rowand as one White Sox player who would find it strange to view Thomas in another team's uniform. "He's a fixture here," said Rowand of Thomas. "He has been for a long, long time. "For being here that long and being a mainstay and the face of the organization, it would be like Michael Jordan not playing for the Bulls. It was strange to see him in a Wizards' uniform. We all hope and pray it works out for [Thomas]." Thomas has a $10 million player option for 2006, but the White Sox can buy him out for $3.5 million. Offense in place: The loss of Thomas doesn't necessarily mean that Guillen will sound the alarm for another offensive weapon to be added before Sunday's 4 p.m. Eastern trade deadline. Guillen believes there is nothing available on the open market better than what he currently has on the roster. "Believe me. There is nothing like, 'Wow, bring this guy. We're going to get better,'" Guillen said. "Right now, we are swinging the bat a lot better and hopefully they will continue to play the game they are playing and help our pitching staff. "But there is nothing out there that impresses you to get this team the way we're going to get it," Guillen added. Shingo time: The fact that Shingo Takatsu agreed to a Minor League deal and was assigned to Triple-A Charlotte left a smile on Guillen's face that lasted until Friday. The veteran right-hander, who was the first Japanese player to suit up for the White Sox, should be part of the September callups. "He will. I'm pretty sure," said Guillen of Takatsu. "Maybe before that, you never know what will happen. He helped us before and will help us in the future. "I thought it was great news for me. I don't know about the rest of the organization, but for me it was outstanding. He will stay with us, and I was real happy he made that decision." Takatsu could have been traded or released during the 10 days after he was designated for assignment. He also could have turned down the Minor League assignment and become a free agent. Down on the farm: Darren Blakely knocked out two hits, including his 16th home run, and drove in three during Double-A Birmingham's 9-8 victory over Montgomery on Thursday night in 10 innings. Blakely is batting .345 in his last 15 games, with four home runs, while Ryan Sweeny is batting .333 in his last 13 games. The Barons have a three-game lead during the second half of the Southern League season. Noah Hall drove in his 70th run as part of Class A Winston-Salem's 8-6 loss at Potomac. Hall has a .404 average over his last 57 at-bats, with four home runs, 14 RBIs and 18 runs scored. Coming soon: Jose Contreras makes his 21st start of the season on Saturday afternoon and brings with him a 3-2 record and 3.50 ERA on the road. The right-hander ranks third in the American League with a .234 average against and is 2-2 with a 4.71 ERA lifetime against the Orioles. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs. 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hi8is Posted July 30, 2005 Share Posted July 30, 2005 Josh: who is that in your sig... the picture above "trade for me kenny" i dont reconise him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sox It To Em Posted July 30, 2005 Share Posted July 30, 2005 QUOTE(hi8is @ Jul 29, 2005 -> 10:15 PM) Josh: who is that in your sig... the picture above "trade for me kenny" i dont reconise him. Alex Gonzales IINM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kev211 Posted July 30, 2005 Share Posted July 30, 2005 QUOTE(hi8is @ Jul 29, 2005 -> 10:15 PM) Josh: who is that in your sig... the picture above "trade for me kenny" i dont reconise him. alex gonzalez from the marlins Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitewashed in '05 Posted July 30, 2005 Share Posted July 30, 2005 I don't know if this is just me but talking about Frank Thomas having played his last game with the White Sox or in his career just makes me mad. The docter said its not career threatening and I hope hes right. I am rooting for the big man to heal and be ready next season. The sox need to atleast sign him to an incentive based contract for next season if its true that it isnt ending his career. For the people who have something against FT keep those thoughts to yourself, Thomas is a big part of the Sox franchise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UofIChiSox Posted July 30, 2005 Share Posted July 30, 2005 QUOTE(Sox Hustler @ Jul 30, 2005 -> 07:45 AM) I don't know if this is just me but talking about Frank Thomas having played his last game with the White Sox or in his career just makes me mad. The docter said its not career threatening and I hope hes right. I am rooting for the big man to heal and be ready next season. The sox need to atleast sign him to an incentive based contract for next season if its true that it isnt ending his career. For the people who have something against FT keep those thoughts to yourself, Thomas is a big part of the Sox franchise. I'm a big Frank Thomas fan, don't get me wrong, but there's no way that we can pick up a $10 million option on him for next year. That would just be silly. We have a $3.5 million buyout for the contract, I just pray we can negotiate something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Sox Josh Posted July 30, 2005 Author Share Posted July 30, 2005 Frank Thomas was the best hitter of the 90's. Period. I remember when he was in his prime he was the best hitter i ever saw. Nobody in the 90's could hit for average, power, and still be that patient at the plate. Yeah sosa and McGwire hit 60 HR's however they were both on steroids and while McGwire hit for a good average, Sosa was an all or nothing player. He got a bad rap for being selfish: Well a selfish player wouldn't play 3 seasons injured because he wanted to help his team. Yeah he made some mistakes but who hasn't. Thanks Frank for everything you have done and hopefully you will be back next season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greg775 Posted July 31, 2005 Share Posted July 31, 2005 I love Frank. I wonder if he's a lock for the Hall, however. I'm not so sure, though he has blasted a lot of home runs and did dominate the decade like you say. Is he a certain hall of famer? I'd love to hear bill James' take on this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Sox Josh Posted July 31, 2005 Author Share Posted July 31, 2005 QUOTE(greg775 @ Jul 30, 2005 -> 10:59 PM) I love Frank. I wonder if he's a lock for the Hall, however. I'm not so sure, though he has blasted a lot of home runs and did dominate the decade like you say. Is he a certain hall of famer? I'd love to hear bill James' take on this. yes. Especially with all the steroid stuff that has gone down. Like him or not, Frank never took steroids and even voters who hate frank have to look at that. He accomplished all of that stuff without steroids unlike some other players(McGwire and Sosa). Also i believe he is the only player besides Babe Ruth and I believe Lou Gehrig to hit .300 with 30+ HR, 100 RBI, and 100 walks for at least 5 seasons in a row. I might be wrong on this but i'm pretty sure i'm this is correct. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greasywheels121 Posted July 31, 2005 Share Posted July 31, 2005 QUOTE(White Sox Josh @ Jul 30, 2005 -> 11:05 PM) yes. Especially with all the steroid stuff that has gone down. Like him or not, Frank never took steroids and even voters who hate frank have to look at that. He accomplished all of that stuff without steroids unlike some other players(McGwire and Sosa). Also i believe he is the only player besides Babe Ruth and I believe Lou Gehrig to hit .300 with 30+ HR, 100 RBI, and 100 walks for at least 5 seasons in a row. I might be wrong on this but i'm pretty sure i'm this is correct. Frank's the only one to hit .300, have 100+ RBIs, 100+ BBs, 100+ Rs, and 20+HR in 7 straight years. Ted Williams did it in 6 IIRC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Sox Josh Posted July 31, 2005 Author Share Posted July 31, 2005 QUOTE(greasywheels121 @ Jul 30, 2005 -> 11:09 PM) Frank's the only one to hit .300, have 100+ RBIs, 100+ BBs, 100+ Rs, and 20+HR in 7 straight years. Ted Williams did it in 6 IIRC. that's it. Frank would have 500 HR now if he hadn't been so patient at the plate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greasywheels121 Posted July 31, 2005 Share Posted July 31, 2005 QUOTE(White Sox Josh @ Jul 30, 2005 -> 11:10 PM) that's it. Frank would have 500 HR now if he hadn't been so patient at the plate. That's what made him such a great hitter. He'd have 500 HRs if didn't lose so much time to injury in the new century. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Sox Josh Posted July 31, 2005 Author Share Posted July 31, 2005 QUOTE(greasywheels121 @ Jul 30, 2005 -> 11:14 PM) That's what made him such a great hitter. He'd have 500 HRs if didn't lose so much time to injury in the new century. yeah i know. I liked that he was patient at the plate to. I remember when I was at the last game of the 97 season when he won the batting tittle. One of my dad's friends put a "Congrats Frank" sign up on the big screen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knightni Posted July 31, 2005 Share Posted July 31, 2005 A look back at some Frank Thomas moments in the media... http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sp...-home-headlines Not always flattering. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Sox Josh Posted July 31, 2005 Author Share Posted July 31, 2005 QUOTE(knightni @ Jul 31, 2005 -> 10:09 AM) A look back at some Frank Thomas moments in the media... http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sp...-home-headlines Not always flattering. you know what f*** YOU MEDIA! Remember him for the good times not for the Media Created things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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