Come to Think of It... Thoughts on Frank Thomas

Following a brief tirade over lack of playing time, Frank Thomas was given his release by the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. 

Some team will likely pick him up. though it's not a certainty given the contract provision that stipulates next year's salary is based on number of ABs this season. If Frank reaches that contract plateau, his new team would be getting a very inexpensive player for 2008, but would also be on the hook for $10 million dollars in guaranteed money in 2009.

So if this really is the last go-round for Frank Thomas, I wanted to share some thoughts about him from a baseball fan, first and foremost. But also as a Cubs fan who watched his Sox career through the Chicago newspapers, local TV news and sports shows, and the occasional visit to Comiskey Park and U.S. Cellular Field over the years.

And I can say, without hesitation, that the man is a Hall of Famer.

Oh sure, he's been accused of not being the most team oriented guy in his clubhouse, worrying more about his various contract squabbles and stats than his team's success.  But even if that's true, and who really can be sure in this era of sensational journalism, he wouldn't be the only Hall of Famer to be accused of  selfishness.

I do know this, however: the man always could hit and, maybe just as importantly in this steroid age, was probably clean.

You notice I say "probably" for no one, and I really mean no one, can be 100% innocent these days, unfortunately. But some guys you just kind of know - Greg Maddux, David Eckstein, Frank Thomas - the list may not be very long but it is what it is.

And what it is...is important because it means his accomplishments are that much greater when compared to his peers.

Despite his muscular body, Frank has always let it be known his disdain for steroids and has always spoken out against its use and has said he'd be the first player to stand in line if they got tougher testing in place. He was a football player who has always lifted weights and has seemingly accumulated all his muscles the natural way.

Good for him.

And it will be good for him when it's time for the writers to vote whether to give him a plaque in Cooperstown. Based on his current numbers, he should make it on his first try. 

Big Frank has hit 516 home runs, with 1,685 RBI and a .302 batting average. His .420 OBP tells you everything you need to know about his abilities as a hitter and his knowledge of the strike zone.

He won back-to-back MVP awards in 1993 and 1994. Yet 2008 was the first year that Thomas has had a base salary of $10 million or more. And, off to a slow start, the Jays have decided they are better off paying him the money without having him around the clubhouse.

The main thing hurting Big Frank's chances at a first ballot HOF bid is that he has mostly been a DH and the Hall values defense. In fact, some guys are in the Hall based only on defense (hello Maz). And Thomas couldn't play defense even when he did imitate a first baseman during his career.

But hey, the DH has been part of baseball for a long time now, and doesn't seem to be going anywhere, so it's time the voters recognized it for what it is.

Maybe some team will take a chance and scoop up Frank Thomas so he can continue playing the game he loves. But if not, and he calls it a career, let's call it a helluva career. Come to think of it, let's call it a Hall of Fame career.