Ryan gave his opinion on why Frank Thomas should have reconsidered going to the Blue Jays, by looking at the Big Hurts’ side of the story. Now I want to look at it from the side of the Jays, who are the ones shelling out the $18 million over the next two years. And don’t forget about that $10 million option in the third year of the contract.
I really think that this is a mistake. I want to back this up by acknowledging that I am a huge Frank Thomas fan. I always have been, and I always will be. The Big Hurt is great. I remember watching him with the White Sox when he dominated, and I remember playing his video game. So this isn’t a personal vendetta against Frank Thomas, in fact, I was incredibly happy he did as well as he did in Oakland this year. I contend he could even be the MVP he really catalyzed his team.
With that said, spending $18 million over two years is not the best financial move the Blue Jays have made. And not because of the accusations that he is a clubhouse cancer. I think that’s just a personal grudge the White Sox GM has. I think this is a mistake for the simple fact that Frank Thomas is old. He’s 39, and turns 39 on May 27 (I know this because we share the birthday. As does Jeff Bagwell).
Thomas had a great year last year, by anyones standards. But can he keep it up this coming year? And what about the year after? We saw how his body was wearing down, in the playoffs it was at the point where he could barely run out base hits. His knees are shot, can he take another year of abuse? I’m really not sure. Can he take two more years? I doubt it.
I know that the Blue Jays have to spend like crazy to keep up with the Yankees and the Red Sox, but this much on Frank Thomas? Maybe they should have someone in the front office to warn them away from deals such as this, and the one AJ Burnett signed. That one worked out real well. Wait, spending half the year on the disabled list isn’t good?
I’m not a Blue Jays fan, but I am a Frank Thomas fan. So I hope that this works out for his sake. Unfortunately I don’t foresee that happening. I see the Jays throwing away their money, and struggling to a 2nd or 3rd place finish in the AL East, again.
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