Knuckle Curve » designated hitter

Frank Thomas Signs with the Athletics

Stephen Kersey — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:07:31 +0000

After clearing waivers, Frank Thomas signed a one-year contract with the Oakland Athletics. We reported soon after Thomas was released by the Toronto Blue Jays that the Athletics had interest in the Big Hurt and the pairing became official on Thursday.

Thomas and the A’s wasted no time, as Thomas was in the lineup for the A’s on Thursday. Oakland responded positively, beating the Minnesota Twins 11-2. Thomas batted cleanup and had two walks and a run scored.

While Thomas is batting just .159 on the season, the A’s are confident that the 39-year-old will be able to turn it around. Last season, Thomas struggled in the first half of the season but shined after the All-Star game. In 252 at bats after the All-Star game, Thomas hit .306 with 12 homers and 52 RBIs.

Thomas seemed happy with his first showing as a new member of the A’s. Said Thomas to the Associated Press: “I didn’t feel out of place. It really felt like I just left. I’m happy to be back. I’m happy to shake the rust off today because they pitched me tough. I’m sure their game plan was not to give in because they knew I missed a whole week, so they threw some sliders and breaking balls and ran the ball in on me. I’m just happy we got a big win.”

Thomas played for the Blue Jays in 2006 and had 39 homers and 114 RBIs, while batting .270.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons from Frank Thomas’ previous stint with the A’s.

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Frank Thomas Cut – Big Hurt Destinations?

Stephen Kersey — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 10:18:58 +0000

Frank Thomas wasn’t pleased with a decrease in at bats and the Toronto Blue Jays were tired of waiting for his bat to come around. The two sides seemingly got what they wanted when the Blue Jays cut Thomas.

On the season, Thomas was batting .167 with three homers and 11 RBI for Toronto. The 39-year-old Thomas had started slowly the last few years before turning it up as the season went along. Toronto didn’t want to see if history would repeat itself and instead let him go.

The Blue Jays will likely rotate a number of players at DH now, most notably Matt Stairs. Stairs struggles in the field but he’s capable of swinging a big bat.

Watch as Frank Thomas hits his 500th career homer:

Where will Thomas end up? Despite his age and his slow start to the season, many teams will be interested. A return to the Oakland A’s is a possibility. The Seattle Mariners could use an upgrade at DH. The Texas Rangers were interested in Thomas a few years ago and could again make a run.

Thomas will end up somewhere, the questions is whether or not he’ll get a fulltime gig as a team’s DH. If he doesn’t, Thomas would likely retire before accepting a limited role.

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Poll: What Do You Think of the Designated Hitter Rule?

Geoff Young — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 07:16:28 +0000

I’m not a fan of the designated hitter rule. Either you’re out there playing or you’re not. That means if you’re a pitcher, you’re taking your turn at bat. Conversely, if you’re in the lineup, you’re taking the field.

The other thing that bugs me about the DH is this: Why does he have to hit for the pitcher? I’m pretty sure that the Minnesota Twins, for example, would be better off hitting for Nick Punto when Livan Hernandez is on the mound.

Just sayin’…

{democracy:41}

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