Filed under: Oakland, Athletics, AL West
The unexpected release of
Frank Thomas by Toronto has the potential to throw a serious kink into the American League pennant races. Because of the money he's still owed on his original deal, someone can add a big bat at a big bargain and greatly help their chances at making a run for the playoffs.
One such team is Oakland, where Thomas revitalized his career a couple of years ago. They have broken from the gate with more life than anyone expected, even though they've got very little in the way of offensive punch. Seven home runs in 20 games is pathetic and if they want to make this more than a good three weeks, they need to remedy that.
Scott Ostler of the
San Francisco Chronicle wonders if the surprising start might have Billy Beane rethinking the total rebuilding year, especially when adding the Big Hurt could juice up the offense. And, speaking of juice, there's another hitter who could boost the team's production.
Barry Bonds.
Both Thomas and Bonds are hungry to play, and as one A's insider said, "Bonds has already been humbled by being out of a job." So you could have one or two motivated, humbled, yet chip-on-shoulder superstars reporting for duty.
It seems crazy on the surface, especially since Thomas would probably scoff at a platoon, but it makes too much sense to reject out of hand.
Continue reading Could The Big Hurt Return to Oakland and Bring Barry Bonds With Him?
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