Guest hotsoxchick1 Posted July 3, 2003 Share Posted July 3, 2003 Thomas makes his All-Star case. Frank Thomas has a .287 average, 20 home runs and 46 RBIs in 2003. CHICAGO -- Call it a brief moment of self-promotion. Or a few minutes of well-deserved lobbying from a 35-year-old veteran who has been the marquee player for his franchise over the past 13 years. Whatever the classification, this much is true. Frank Thomas met the media in the U.S. Cellular Field Conference and Learning Center for the first time in recent memory on Wednesday, following his two-home run effort in Chicago's 8-6 victory over Minnesota in 12 innings. The star of the game usually makes the trip from the locker room to the conference room, but Thomas prefers to hold court in front of his personal locker. More important, though, was Thomas' answer to the final question he fielded concerning the All-Star Game on July 15 at U.S. Cellular Field. When the American League roster is announced this Sunday evening, Thomas expects to be part of the team. "I hope I get picked," Thomas said with a smile. "It's one of those things where I played here forever. It would be a shame if I don't make the All-Star team with the game here. That's the way I feel." Thomas is not alone in those feelings. His manager, teammates, and fans support him. And the most crucial factor -- his numbers -- warrant Thomas' selection. In the latest released All-Star voting before balloting closed Wednesday, Thomas fell third at designated hitter, trailing Seattle's Edgar Martinez and Carl Everett, his new teammate. But Thomas' .287 average, 20 home runs and 46 RBIs rank near or above other contenders for roster spots, such as Everett (.274, 18, 51), Texas' Rafael Palmeiro (.255, 19, 52) and Kansas City's Mike Sweeney (.321, 12, 50). Much like Sweeney, Thomas is getting the job done in crucial situations for a team now in contention. Take Wednesday's 12th-inning, two-out at-bat against Minnesota closer Eddie Guardado as an example. After falling behind 0-2 in the count, Thomas ripped a drive down the left field line that barely went foul. He smashed two more line drives out of play, worked the count full and then launched a 387-foot, game-winning two-run home run down the left-field line, completing the sweep of Minnesota and moving the White Sox within 1 1/2 games of the Twins. They had trailed by 8 1/2 as recently as June 14. "I gave him everything I had," said Guardado of facing Thomas in the 12th with the game on the line. "He kept on fouling off everything I had. When you're facing a good hitter like him, things like that happen." "You had a good feeling about that at-bat," added Everett of Thomas, who made the new acquisition's first game incredibly exciting. "I haven't seen him that much this year, but you see that he's really working hard to get back to where he was." The fact that Thomas, a .314 hitter with 350 more walks than strikeouts and 396 career home runs, hit .252 in 2002 and .221 in an injury-shortened 2001 season makes the numbers this season that much more impressive. It was Thomas who almost single-handedly carried the White Sox offensively during June, keeping the team afloat and making Tuesday's trades for Roberto Alomar and Everett a possibility. Thomas also has become a leader in the clubhouse once again, although he's far from a vocal, 'rah-rah' sort of player. Thomas cautioned against getting overexcited on a couple of occasions when the White Sox won two or three in a row, and has spoken up in defense of struggling teammates. There was even support for D'Angelo Jimenez, the much-maligned switch-hitter, who the White Sox designated for assignment Wednesday after obtaining Alomar. "Yeah, he's a good friend of mine and it's sad to see him go," Thomas said of Jimenez, who had his locker one over from Thomas. "He had a lot of big hits in the first month, and he's a good guy. "I don't think it was mental mistakes. Stuff had been happening for the last month with him. There were a few things going on around here, and it gets out of hand. They're talking about working hard on ground balls, just nitpicking. It's been going on here, and guys have been bickering a little about it. "But D'Angelo is a good guy, and we're going to miss him," Thomas added. "D'Angelo is a very good player." It's now a Frank Thomas who is less guarded around the media. It's a player who spends 10 to 15 minutes before every home game signing autographs for fans. But All-Star berths aren't given to players for being outgoing and fan-friendly. Simply put, Thomas has earned a spot on the 2003 All-Star team. Here's one more fact to consider. There have been hints dropped by the player nicknamed 'The Big Hurt' that he will participate in the home run-hitting contest the Monday night before the game. With the way he's driving the ball currently, that should give the fans something special to cheer about. "I have to be picked first," said Thomas with a smile. With players having a hand in the selection process, Thomas' chances probably increase. He's back to his old form, close to the same approach as his 2000 season, when he hit .328 with 43 home runs and 143 RBIs. He's also returned to first base, and enjoying his time in the field. How else would you explain a .357 average with eight home runs and 21 RBIs when he's playing defense? The White Sox won the division in 2000, Thomas' last big season. It's not a mere coincidence. Above an All-Star berth, that's Thomas' top goal again this season. "They are pitching to [Thomas] more, but I don't know why as hot as he's been," said White Sox closer Billy Koch. "The way he's been swinging, it's incredible. He's really making a case for himself." "With the push that he's making late in the first half and the push that the team is making, it will be tough to leave him off," added White Sox manager Jerry Manuel. "The key is that what he's doing is productive for wins in a situation where his team is making a run. That carries a lot of weight." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitesox247 Posted July 3, 2003 Share Posted July 3, 2003 How many DH's can be on the roster? Is there a limit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mac9001 Posted July 3, 2003 Share Posted July 3, 2003 One, Edgar Martinez. After him it's up to the players and mangers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitesox247 Posted July 3, 2003 Share Posted July 3, 2003 Scisocia has to find some way to squeeze Big Hurt in there. It would be huge to the fans. Not to take anything away from Everett(and hes a Sox now), but Big Hurt should get the nod over him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cerbaho-WG Posted July 3, 2003 Share Posted July 3, 2003 I loved how Thomas was vouching for Damaso to be in the game. More reason to love Frank right there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisoxfn Posted July 3, 2003 Share Posted July 3, 2003 I loved how Thomas was vouching for Damaso to be in the game. More reason to love Frank right there. The questoin is which set up man makes it cause usually its only one of them. I'd give the nod to Donnelly of the Angels over Damaso, if they take two, Damaso would get my vote. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cerbaho-WG Posted July 3, 2003 Share Posted July 3, 2003 If anyone goes from the Angels it better be Ben Weber. I almost cry with laughter everytime he pitches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisoxfn Posted July 3, 2003 Share Posted July 3, 2003 If anyone goes from the Angels it better be Ben Weber. I almost cry with laughter everytime he pitches. That is an all time great delivery. With that motion, I wonder if his wife ever gets any Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitesox247 Posted July 3, 2003 Share Posted July 3, 2003 Donnelly has to be the one if they allow a setup man. This guy has been amazing. He's even unhittable coming in with inherited runners. I think hes only given up 2 runs the whole season, with that 0.40 something ERA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwsox Posted July 4, 2003 Share Posted July 4, 2003 remember that the players are doing much of the voting for the all star reserves - the manager gets to pick maybe 5 or 7 I am glad that frank has attitude - that is always good for the future Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soxplosion Posted July 4, 2003 Share Posted July 4, 2003 Frank better be in the AS game. Like the article said, not only is he putting up good numbers, hes also clutch. Hes helpin us win ballgames... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Be Good Posted July 4, 2003 Share Posted July 4, 2003 Frank better be in the AS game. Like the article said, not only is he putting up good numbers, hes also clutch. Hes helpin us win ballgames... BY the way oldroman, doesnt franky have 21 homers it says 20 in ya signature..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clujer420 Posted July 4, 2003 Share Posted July 4, 2003 BY the way oldroman, doesnt franky have 21 homers it says 20 in ya signature..... Nah, he's got 20. Hopefully after today's game he'll have 21. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soxplosion Posted July 4, 2003 Share Posted July 4, 2003 BY the way oldroman, doesnt franky have 21 homers it says 20 in ya signature..... Nope, he has 20. Hell have 21 soon tho... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rex Hudler Posted July 4, 2003 Share Posted July 4, 2003 A month ago I don't think there was any way Frank deserved a slot in the All-Star Game. Today, I think he almost has to be chosen. He and Carl Everett's seasons have almost been the exact opposite of each other. Frank had a poor month in April, a decent May and a hot June. Carl, had a great April, a solid May and a s***ty June. Frank is on the way up. Carl is not. Frank should definitely get the nod if it were to come down to the two of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IlliniKrush Posted July 4, 2003 Share Posted July 4, 2003 From some of the Frank comments i've heard, he thinks he should be in the AS game because it's at home and he's played here his whole life. I don't think where the game is played should factor into who makes the team at all. Just as i don't think Clemens should start the allstar game because of a career accomplishment. It's supposed to be based on single season statistics alone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CubKilla Posted July 4, 2003 Share Posted July 4, 2003 It's supposed to be based on single season statistics alone. I agree..... that's why fans shouldn't have anything to do with it. The majority of fans vote based on name recognition alone (see: ShamME Soso). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rex Hudler Posted July 4, 2003 Share Posted July 4, 2003 From some of the Frank comments i've heard, he thinks he should be in the AS game because it's at home and he's played here his whole life. I don't think where the game is played should factor into who makes the team at all. Just as i don't think Clemens should start the allstar game because of a career accomplishment. It's supposed to be based on single season statistics alone. I agree to a point. If a guy has all-star caliber numbers and is on the bubble, so to speak, then I think that can be factored in. Do I think it is owed to him? No But I think that is a legitimate factor that whoever is selecting would consider, as long as his season merits the consideration in the first place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MnSoxFan Posted July 4, 2003 Share Posted July 4, 2003 Rex, I hope Shoe don't see this, ha ha. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kj1832 Posted July 4, 2003 Share Posted July 4, 2003 Frank should be on the team. He is hitting great in the clutch. How many more chances will he have to be on an All Star Team? Plus the game is in his home park! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rex Hudler Posted July 4, 2003 Share Posted July 4, 2003 Rex, I hope Shoe don't see this, ha ha. Hey, I'll give a guy credit where credit is due. I'll also criticize when I believe it is necessary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
witesoxfan Posted July 4, 2003 Share Posted July 4, 2003 I agree..... that's why fans shouldn't have anything to do with it. The majority of fans vote based on name recognition alone (see: ShamME Soso). Agreed. It bugs the hell out of me that there was even a slight race this year between Javy Lopez and Ivan Rodriguez as far as the NL catcher goes. Lopez was BY FAR the superior catcher. And Ichiro and Hideki Matsui going? They are good players, but don't you think a more deserving player....like for instance Vernon Wells, or Aubrey Huff, or Juan Gonzalez, or even Maggs compared to the numbers of those two....should be going instead? Fan voting f***ing sucks. I think some Red Sox and Yankee fans have kids just so that they can get them to vote for the Yankees to get into the All-Star game. Send their 28 kids to the library and have them vote for all the Yankees 150 times on 6 different email addresses, and they have them do this everyday. And if Roger Clemens starts the game, I'm gonna f***ing rip something apart. His numbers for the year are s*** compared to Esteban's or even Roy Halladay's numbers. Esteban should start, but I would not be mad if Halladay started. If Clemens starts though..... And you wonder why a lot of fans don't even care about the All-Star game anymore. If the fans had a f***ing clue, like football fans do, then I could understand. Problem is, they don't have a clue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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