SoxFanForever Posted January 26, 2004 Share Posted January 26, 2004 Article about Frank and the offseason. Thought you guys would find it interesting. http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/news/mlb...s_mlb&fext=.jsp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnB Posted January 26, 2004 Share Posted January 26, 2004 If Big Frank continues to shut his mouth and do his job during the season, things would go so much better. But I don't see that happening any time soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwsox Posted January 26, 2004 Share Posted January 26, 2004 I did find it interesting - thanks for posting the link - I never check the mlb site so never would have seen it otherwise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitesoxin' Posted January 26, 2004 Share Posted January 26, 2004 I never check the mlb site so never would have seen it otherwise I'm with you. That site is crap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steff Posted January 26, 2004 Share Posted January 26, 2004 Can someone cut and paste..? TIA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ishmookie Posted January 26, 2004 Share Posted January 26, 2004 i hope this article is true, or frank threatened merkin if he didnt kiss up to him in the article. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steff Posted January 26, 2004 Share Posted January 26, 2004 01/26/2004 12:07 PM ET Thomas prefers quiet offseason Slugger shuns spotlight of rumors, speculation By Scott Merkin / MLB.com Frank Thomas hit 42 homers in 2003, one shy of his 2000 career high. (AP Photo) LAS VEGAS –- Out of sight. Out of mind. Out of harm’s way. It’s a mantra that makes sense for most average citizens in this country. Then again, there’s nothing average about Frank Thomas, from the White Sox designated hitter’s massive physical presence right on down to his ability to hit the baseball 480 feet. Thomas' high profile certainly helps explain why he became the center of attention earlier this offseason, despite not having uttered a single word on the record since the final weekend of the regular season in Kansas City. The issue started at Ozzie Guillen’s first press conference as the team’s new manager in early November, when he used Thomas as an example while making the point that he expects all 25 players on the roster to play his way. Afterward, some wondered about Thomas’ state of mind. Was he seething in regards to Guillen, especially after a great 2003 campaign in which he hit 42 home runs and drove home 105, all the while sparking the team into contention in the American League Central? Was he simply ignoring the critique? Third-base coach Joey Cora, a former teammate of Thomas, much like Guillen, spoke to Thomas shortly after his hiring. He reported absolutely no disdain coming from the big man, even a high level of excitement for the new season. His words were the only proof for White Sox fans. But still nothing directly from the "Big Hurt" himself. It became a main topic of conversation during Guillen’s 30-minute meeting with the media at the Winter Meetings in New Orleans, where Guillen alternately praised Thomas but also stuck to his one for all and all for one philosophy. It was a line of questioning that seemed to mildly exasperate White Sox general manager Ken Williams. “For whatever reason, there’s still some life to it,” said Williams of the Thomas’ controversy during one of his own media session in New Orleans. “Maybe that’s simply because (Guillen) keeps getting asked. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Let's give it a rest and wait until Spring Training to ignite it again. But one of the reasons Ozzie got this job was that he's his own man. He's going to look you in the eye and tell you what’s in his heart and mind. If you are working under him, you can either accept it or reject it. I have faith in him to lead the club." -- GM Ken Williams -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Let’s give it a rest and wait until Spring Training to ignite it again,” he added. “But one of the reasons Ozzie got this job was that he’s his own man. He’s going to look you in the eye and tell you what’s in his heart and mind. If you are working under him, you can either accept it or reject it. I have faith in him to lead the club.” A few weeks ago at his gym in Henderson, about 15 minutes outside of Las Vegas, Thomas appeared to be in great condition and equally great spirit, ready for another 40-home run season, or ready to return to his collegiate football days and suit up for Carolina at tight end this weekend in the Super Bowl. Thomas simply shuns the spotlight during the offseason, and it’s a well-deserved respite. While the White Sox were in the stretch drive of the 2003 season, battling Minnesota and Kansas City for the Central Division title, there were some late home games where Thomas would speak to the media four different times -- one session with some early-going television crews, one before batting practice, one after batting practice for anything or anyone that slipped through the cracks and then usually one after the game. Thomas rarely turned down a request, not to mention meeting with dignitaries who might be singing the National Anthem or throwing out the first pitch on that particular day. In this day and age of Internet content, radio freelancers who specifically get paid to get a sound bite from the team’s top player and the usual local television stations and daily newspapers, such is the plague upon the team’s top player. That’s still Thomas’ position on the White Sox. “Frank gets hassled (by the media) all year long, so you can’t blame him for wanting some time to himself during the offseason,” White Sox outfielder Aaron Rowand, who also lives in Las Vegas, said of Thomas. “This is a guy who has been in the league for a long time and he’s a pro athlete, so Frank is responsible for getting Frank up. I don’t think anyone else should have to take a position of trying to fire him up. “God willing, he will finish his career strong and make a good case for being a Hall of Famer,” Rowand added. “His numbers are second to none to pretty much anyone else.” Rowand said Thomas was "one of the nicest guys that I’ve had the opportunity to play with in this game.” He’s a superstar without a superstar attitude, Rowand says. Thomas was very friendly when approached, even in his sanctuary away from the press. He easily could have walked away, said “See you in Tucson” and began his intense workout. But he stopped and talked for close to 10 minutes. He talked briefly about enjoying his offseason free time and the down time before the season started. Although working out five days per week doesn’t sound much like down time. He did not, however, want to talk about the hoopla surrounding Guillen. “No. I’ll wait until Spring Training,” Thomas said as he headed toward an exercise bike. He’s in serious training to let his bat do most of the talking once again in 2004. Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to approval by Major League Baseball or its clubs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1549 Posted January 26, 2004 Share Posted January 26, 2004 I'm with you. That site is crap. Its good during the season if you want to stay up to date with scores and such but it is more like mlb propoganda than journalism. Hence the newspaper exists, with boxscores, standing and columnists. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NUKE_CLEVELAND Posted January 26, 2004 Share Posted January 26, 2004 If Big Frank continues to shut his mouth and do his job during the season, things would go so much better. But I don't see that happening any time soon. That's been the rap on him the last 5 years. Hasn't anyone ever shared with him the expression "Shut up and play"? I would respect the Big Skirt a lot more if he wasn't such a s***bag off the field. My signature quote speaks for itself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elrockinMT Posted January 26, 2004 Share Posted January 26, 2004 Frank Thomas knows how to play the game and will do it. I think we have far bigger problems to worry about on this team then whether or not Frank Thomas will play ball like we know he can. You can put it on the board... Frank will be the team leader ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry Chappas Posted January 26, 2004 Share Posted January 26, 2004 That's been the rap on him the last 5 years. Hasn't anyone ever shared with him the expression "Shut up and play"? I would respect the Big Skirt a lot more if he wasn't such a s***bag off the field. My signature quote speaks for itself. What has he ever done? He has never been in trouble with the law, drugs or what not. Now that six guys are higher paid, salary isn't ever the reason to blast him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greasywheels121 Posted January 27, 2004 Share Posted January 27, 2004 Frank Thomas knows how to play the game and will do it. I think we have far bigger problems to worry about on this team then whether or not Frank Thomas will play ball like we know he can. You can put it on the board... Frank will be the team leader ... Exactly...It's funny how this somehow ended up being our biggest problem this offseason. It's a joke. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrandoFan Posted January 27, 2004 Share Posted January 27, 2004 Thomas detractors and assorted character assasins can go ESAD :fyou Sanctimonious pricks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrandoFan Posted January 27, 2004 Share Posted January 27, 2004 One thing still bothers me is Frank's inability to hit a middle-away pitch-- and that's where he will be pitched in 2004, you bet your sweet ass. They'll start walking him like they did with Daubach to distrupt his rhythm, so Maggs, Konerko, Valentin and Crede better be ready to come through. I mean, logic has it that a long-armed, aging hitter who's never been know for his batspeed and who's made a living in the CF-RF in the past.......would be MUCH more comfortable hitting middle-away pitches. And yet, Frank is clearly more adept at turning on the ball and dropping his hands through. Go figure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baggio202 Posted January 27, 2004 Share Posted January 27, 2004 i like what aaron rowand had to say....glad to see him sticking up for one of his teammates..good job a-row Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slick03 Posted January 27, 2004 Share Posted January 27, 2004 i like what aaron rowand had to say....glad to see him sticking up for one of his teammates..good job a-row agreed, its nice to see a few people actually sticking up for frank...i like frank, always have and always will...I feel pretty positive that he's going to come in and have a good year....im getting really excited for spring training and cant wait till it starts.....i dont think this year is going to be as bad as some people think.... tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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