Thomas Buyout Definite

[DBAHO]

We all pretty much knew it anyway, from the Southtown;

 

However, a Sox player told the Daily Southtown on Monday the club was planning to exercise the buyout clause even before Thomas went down with the injury.

 

"From what I understand, Frank was already telling us that he wouldn't be brought back (next year)," the player said.

 

Not only did the injury apparently reinforce the club's thinking, but some believe Thomas' career is in jeopardy.

 

http://www.dailysouthtown.com/southtown/ds.../pro/091sd4.htm

[Texsox]

Very sad news if it happens. Not the way Frank's career should end in Chicago.

 

If he does play in another unform, I would hope he signs a 1 day contract to retire as a White Sox player.

[knightni]

Is his career truly over?

 

If not, I wish he could sign a lesser deal to stay with the Sox and try and get 500 HRs.

[Brian]

Not surprised. I love Frank but no way you can pick up a $10 mil option on him. I bet we re-sign him to a new deal of some kind.

[GreatScott82]

I can see KW buying out the deal for 3 million, and then possibly offering him another deal for about 2-3 million for 2006 so he can finish his carrer w/ the Sox.

KW needs to figure out what to do w/ that DH spot next season- and he needs to approach it as if he knows Frank would be hurt (like he did this season) that is why they still have Crazy Carl. Well if Carl goes- we would have a big hole at DH and KW still has an obsession for Griffey. I can see the Sox trading for him this offseason to fill our DH hole. And when Frank comes back in 2006 (if they re-sign him) then they can split time, plus Griffey can play some CF to give Rowand some days off.

So you heard it here- Griffey-Sox-2006.

[Rowand44]

This isn't surprising, we all knew this had to be done. If Frank is gone a name me and I'm sure a whole bunch of people are going to bring up is Brian Giles. The Sox don't have many holes and they're going to have a lot of money to spend. Giles would absolutely rake at the Cell, he's the lefty power hitter we've all wanted for years now. With Jermaine not as good of an outfielder as he used to be, he could be the everyday DH with him and Brian splitting some time in Right.

[JUGGERNAUT]

Frank himself had already come to that conclusion when he wasn't able to play in April. He was already open to the probability of signing a new contract with the White Sox in lieu of his injuries.

 

Even if his career is over the White Sox should offer Frank a job in the front office like the O's did with Ripken.

[SnB]

sad move, but the smart move no doubt

[southsider2k5]

sad move, but the smart move no doubt

 

That's the problem. It took him about a year to come back from this exact injury last time, so are we looking at another year? It is nice to be loyal and all, but can we afford to play a player who might not be able to play in 2006?

[Ozzie Montana]

I can see KW buying out the deal for 3 million, and then possibly offering him another deal for about 2-3 million for 2006 so he can finish his carrer w/ the Sox.

KW needs to figure out what to do w/ that DH spot next season- and he needs to approach it as if he knows Frank would be hurt (like he did this season) that is why they still have Crazy Carl. Well if Carl goes- we would have a big hole at DH and KW still has an obsession for Griffey. I can see the Sox trading for him this offseason to fill our DH hole. And when Frank comes back in 2006 (if they re-sign him) then they can split time, plus Griffey can play some CF to give Rowand some days off.

So you heard it here- Griffey-Sox-2006.

That's what I thought. If it is uncertain whether he will ever play again I think it will be the right move but it is truly sad what has happened to Frank. Id love to see him end his career here but that may be fading.

[Chisoxfn]

Good...I wish Frank nothing but the best, but it would be a foolish move to do anything but buyout the contract.

[greasywheels121]

Well we all know where I stand with the big man. It's very unfortunate that this is the way his career could possibly end; it shouldn't be like that. However, if there's any chance of him being able to play next season, it's got to be here. I'm starting to feel that this may be the end though.

 

Frank Thomas:

[Balance]

It's sad, but the buyout is the right thing to do. Frank, with his age and injury status, isn't worth $10 million. But this doesn't foreclose the possibility of the Sox re-signing him for a lesser amount after the buyout, as GreatScott said.

[bjm676]

It is the smart way to go. Needing 52 HRs for 500, and with his foot/ankle a question mark the rest of the way, he would need at least 2 or maybe even 3 seasons to accomplish it. I don't think the Sox would commit to him for that long.

 

The way his #'s stand he a 1st balloter right now anyway.

 

[Kogs35]

weather its true or not anything cowley writes is tabloid material

[Whitewashed in '05]

Thats fine if they buyout his contract but unless he says hes done the sox need to sign him to another incetive type deal. Ofcourse buying out his contract is the smart move but the move that will dictate the feelings of the fans will be if he gets resigned.

[WSoxMatt]

#35 will easily be the next number and face to rest on the LC field wall in retirement!!!

Edited August 9, 2005 by WSoxMatt

[soxhawks]

i dont know why people are talking about him playing elsewhere, i seriously doubt he plays next year and it is about 50/50 he will play again. i think it's total bs that he needs 500 homers to get into the hall

[elrockinMT]

We all pretty much knew it anyway, from the Southtown;

http://www.dailysouthtown.com/southtown/ds.../pro/091sd4.htm

 

 

I wouldn't listen to this stuff very seriously. Players don't know what the front office is doing and I am sure that no talks have been held yet with Frank. Yes, anything is possible though.