The Pastime

Frank Thomas is supposedly about to sign just signed a one-year, incentive-laden deal with the Oakland A’s. Buster Olney of ESPN.com is reporting it.

I’ll update this as I learn more.

I like this deal, if it turns out to be more than just another rumor. Frank Thomas is a future hall of famer, and likely still has one or two more years left in him. It all depends on his ankle, though. If he can stay healthy, I’d look for him to put up about a .260 batting average, .350 on base percentage, and hit around 25+ home runs, if he plays 90 or more games.

Thomas’ Career Line

AVG  OBP  SLG  OPS  HR

.307 .427 .568 .995 448

That’s exceptional. Hall of Fame type numbers…

This creates some protection for Eric Chavez in the batting order, and hopefully will stop Chavez from trying to create too much offense, and striking out, like he did in 2005.

Oakland’s official site is now reporting the rumor signing, giving it legitimacy.

[UPDATE] It’s official. The “Big Hurt” is no longer on the verge of signing. He’s an A for 2006.

Here’s the Oakland press release:

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Oakland A’s today announced that they have agreed to terms with Frank Thomas on a one-year contract for the 2006 season. To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, the A’s have designated catcher John Baker for assignment.

Thomas joins the A’s after hitting .307 with 448 home runs and 1465 RBI in 16 seasons with the Chicago White Sox. He leaves Chicago as the White Sox all-time leader in runs (1327), doubles (447), home runs, RBI, walks (1446), total bases (3949), extra base hits (906), slugging percentage (.568) and on-base percentage (.427). Thomas ranks 17th in Major League history in walks, 30th in home runs, tied for 46th in extra base hits and 48th in RBI. The 37-year old ranks second among players who were active in 2005 in walks, third in on-base percentage, seventh in home runs, RBI and slugging, eighth in extra base hits, ninth in doubles and total bases and 10th in batting.

Thomas appeared in just 34 games last year and just 108 total over the last two seasons due to stress fractures in his ankle. He batted just .219 in 2005, but hit 12 home runs and added 26 RBI in his 34 games. Thomas opened last year on the disabled list as he continued to recover from off-season surgery on his left ankle and had his season end when he was placed on the DL a second time on July 21 with a second fracture in his ankle. Over the last two years, Thomas is a .255 hitter with 30 home runs and 75 RBI in 108 games. His 2004 season ended in July with the ankle injury that led to off-season surgery.

Thomas is one of 10 players in Major League history with a .300 career batting average, 400 home runs, 1000 RBI, 1000 runs scored and 1000 walks. He joins Barry Bonds along with Hall of Famers Hank Aaron, Jimmie Foxx, Lou Gehrig, Willie Mays, Stan Musial, Mel Ott, Babe Ruth and Ted Williams in that exclusive club. Thomas won back-to-back American League MVP awards in 1993 and 1994 and led the AL in batting in 1997 when he hit .347. He has five 40 homer seasons and 10 years with 100 or more RBI, including 42 home runs and 105 RBI as recently as 2003. Thomas also has 10 seasons with 100 or more walks and his .427 career on-base percentage ranks 14th in Major League history. He is the only player in modern Major League history to hit over .300 with 20 home runs, 100 RBI, 100 runs scored and 100 walks in seven consecutive seasons (1991-97).

Salary details, from the AP:

Thomas agreed to a $500,000, one-year deal with Oakland on Wednesday, giving the A’s the big right-handed bat they’ve been searching for in the middle of their lineup. He will be formally introduced Thursday.

Thomas can earn $1.4 million in roster bonuses if he is on the active major-league roster or not on the DL related to a left foot injury. He would get $325,000 each on May 1 and June 15 and $375,000 apiece on July 15 and Aug. 15.

He can also earn $1.2 million in performance bonuses: $200,000 each for 300, 350, 400, 450, 500 and 550 plate appearances.