"big hurt" to the Jays??

[Saint Troy]

Read Jeff Blair's blog on the G&M site, saying that some of Thomas' contract is based on plate appearances, good news. I like the signing, the DH position was soft last season, as for the Wells rumour noted by Jiri, yikes, JP would have a tough time selling Wells to a division rival to the fans, Wells is no Hinske.

[CaramonLS]

Reason I don't like this deal:

Frank Thomas is old, and without certain "enhancements", when power goes, it goes FAST, especially in the more 1 dimensional power hitters, which Thomas is.

It is a massive risk IMO, especially for that type of money.

[Saint Troy]

Originally Posted by CaramonLS

Reason I don't like this deal:

Frank Thomas is old, and without certain "enhancements", when power goes, it goes FAST, especially in the more 1 dimensional power hitters, which Thomas is.

It is a massive risk IMO, especially for that type of money.

One dimensional? think so? he's a moneyball power hitter, sees alot of pitches and takes his walks, he also doesn't have alot of games on him due to his injuries the past few years, I think he is less of a risk than a Sheffield at this point.

[habernac]

hopefully his locker room antics have died down. He was a known jackass in the White Sox dugout. If he lets his bat do the talking and STFU I'll be ok with him.

[flames_1987]

Originally Posted by CaramonLS

Reason I don't like this deal:

Frank Thomas is old, and without certain "enhancements", when power goes, it goes FAST, especially in the more 1 dimensional power hitters, which Thomas is.

It is a massive risk IMO, especially for that type of money.

No doubt there is risk involved, just like there was in the moves last offeseason. But the pros to the whole deal is you get a guy that can hit 30-40 homers and also add the presence of a vetran who's played in those big games. (something the Jays haven't had for a long time)

The guy had a sick year batting in the A's lineup, now imagine him batting with guys like Wells, Glaus, Rios exc. around him.

[flames_1987]

Originally Posted by habernac

hopefully his locker room antics have died down. He was a known jackass in the White Sox dugout. If he lets his bat do the talking and STFU I'll be ok with him.

In his defense, he got rave reveiws from Athletic players, saying what a solid vetran infleunce he was in the clubhouse and how they had absolutley no problems with him. Hopefully he keeps on the same track

[CaramonLS]

Originally Posted by Saint Troy

One dimensional? think so? he's a moneyball power hitter, sees alot of pitches and takes his walks, he also doesn't have alot of games on him due to his injuries the past few years, I think he is less of a risk than a Sheffield at this point.

One dimensional in terms of power, he doesn't hit a lot of doubles and his walks are a product of his power - not the product of an amazing batting eye such as Brian Giles or Jason Giambi. Not saying he doesn't have a decent batting eye, but it is declining with age right now. When the power goes, the walks will too, because he doesn't hit enough singles/doubles to keep up the average.

There is no doubt he is a moneyball player, and there is a lot to like in that.

I'd also disagree he is less of a risk than Sheffield, he is a different player in terms of his dimensions and what he does on a field. He isn't just a pure Homerun hitter like Thomas is, which makes him a much better candidate to have a greater longevity in this league.

Still, I wouldn't have advocated the Tigers doing what they did to get him, because they gave up a ton.

[Saint Troy]

Originally Posted by habernac

hopefully his locker room antics have died down. He was a known jackass in the White Sox dugout. If he lets his bat do the talking and STFU I'll be ok with him.

The only guy I ever remember calling out Thomas was Gullien, who is a wingnut, and a pretty strong personality in his own right. Thomas from all accounts was fantastic in the A's clubhouse last season, should be interesting as the Jays clubhouse was gong show-esque last year.

[Saint Troy]

Originally Posted by CaramonLS

One dimensional in terms of power, he doesn't hit a lot of doubles and his walks are a product of his power - not the product of an amazing batting eye such as Brian Giles or Jason Giambi. Not saying he doesn't have a decent batting eye, but it is declining with age right now. When the power goes, the walks will too, because he doesn't hit enough singles/doubles to keep up the average.

There is no doubt he is a moneyball player, and there is a lot to like in that.

I'd also disagree he is less of a risk than Sheffield, he is a different player in terms of his dimensions and what he does on a field. He isn't just a pure Homerun hitter like Thomas is, which makes him a much better candidate to have a greater longevity in this league.

Still, I wouldn't have advocated the Tigers doing what they did to get him, because they gave up a ton.

I noticed you mentioned "enhancements" in your earlier post, not ever knowing for sure but, Thomas has never had that follow him, like Sheffield. Thomas was a two sport star at Auburn, and was always a giant dude, could have been a tight end in the NFL. So I don't think he'll have the "enhancement" deterioration that Sheffield is having.

[KTown]

Originally Posted by flames_1987

Please, Lilly has talked all year about wanting to go back to the west coast. Many Jay "anaylists" said that there was little chance the Jays would bring Lilly back. An excellent #3 pitcher? Pleeasseeeee

He's a good pitcher to use as #3 in the rotation, is he higher hell no.

The guy has the numbers to show he can pitch in the #3 spot. He would be our #4 however.

Pleaaaaaasssssssseeee, educate yourself prior to posting.

Is he asking for too much money, maybe, but he will make more than he made last year that's forsure.

[KTown]

Originally Posted by habernac

hopefully his locker room antics have died down. He was a known jackass in the White Sox dugout. If he lets his bat do the talking and STFU I'll be ok with him.

He'd playing for Gibbons, I smell another fight occuring.

[habernac]

when the Cannons were still in town, I'd sit sometimes over by the oppoistion's "bullpen". I got into a dialogue with one of the relief pitchers, I asked him if the media's portrayal of Albert Belle was accurate. He said that Belle was a great teammate, Thomas was the weirdo in the clubhouse. Wouldn't associate with rookies, was a recluse, just wasn't a real team oriented guy.

Granted, this was 8 or 9 years ago so maybe Frank has grown up now.

[Table 5]

man, i thought this guy retired like a decade ago. shows how much i know about baseball i guess.

[CaramonLS]

Originally Posted by Saint Troy

I noticed you mentioned "enhancements" in your earlier post, not ever knowing for sure but, Thomas has never had that follow him, like Sheffield. Thomas was a two sport star at Auburn, and was always a giant dude, could have been a tight end in the NFL. So I don't think he'll have the "enhancement" deterioration that Sheffield is having.

I never said he was on enhancements, I said without enhancments, players normally drop through the floor at this age.

[bluejays]

Originally Posted by Footscray

I think Thomas will be exclusively a DH for sure - probably a good chance that Wells gets swapped for a good pitcher now if that deal is over 6 million per. I am dreaming of them landing Dontrelle Willis for Wells as the Marlins are looking for a center fielder right now, with florida's payroll not likely though.

Funny you mention that. I was thinking the same thing for the past 2 seasons. At the end of the day, IMO, an Ace is more importance than a gold glove centre fielder.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

So, is this official yet?

I heard on The Score today that it was a 2 year deal worth 18 million, plus an option on a 3rd year depending on plate appearances. They said the deal was dependant on a physical.

Looked around, but haven't seen anything officially official......I guess it won't be until after the physical. ESPN's site has him still unsigned.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Guess I answered my own question above, didn't I??

The Blue Jays have reportedly reached a two-year agreement with free-agent slugger Frank Thomas. Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi didn't comment when reached by phone Thursday evening, but he did say a formal announcement could be coming as early as Friday.

An online report indicated that Toronto had indeed signed Thomas to a two-year deal worth $18 million that includes an option for 2009. According to the report, the 38-year-old slugger would make $10 million in 2007, $8 million in '08 and another $10 million in the option year. Ricciardi didn't comment on the figures. The contract is contingent on Thomas passing a physical.

http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/NASA...=.jsp&c_id=tor

[Flames in 07]

Originally Posted by Sylvanfan

Yeah, put me in the camp of those who think Wells must be heading out of town. Wells is good enough that he can be traded for pitching that isn't on the free agency market, and the Jays likely feel that an outfield of Johnson, Catalonotto, Rios, and Lind can get the job done, especially if they have a power bat like Thomas to DH every day. Still it does seem like a bit of an odd move. Looks like the Jays should have been talking to the Tigers about Wells.

Well, we don't know what the BlueJays budget is right? So I'll hold out hope that they still have plenty of money for pitching ... not many pitchers out there though. They may be going at a premium.

[Flames in 07]

Looks like they are negotiating with Rob Barajas as well. I guess Molina is gone ... probably a good thing.

[Flames in 07]

just read in the toronto sun that they may be interested in Mark Mulder as well.