Parting ways with the Big Hurt is all about short term pain for long term gain, both on the field and in the pocketbook.
The Frank Thomas era in Toronto has come and gone. It ended with the "Big Hurt" telling us that he doesn't like "some things that have been going on around here this year" and that we all know what this is about, the implication being the Jays are just interested in saving money on his next year's contract.
With all due respect to the future Hall-of-Famer, we know that it's about more than that. It's about the same issues we all deal with in the work force: Does our work output justify our salary, now and in the future? And yes, age does play a big roll in this tough decision made by the Jays.
Frank Thomas put up the kind of numbers in his illustrious career that leave those of us who have been blessed to play the game in awe. And there is not a speck of a question as to whether he accomplished it all in a state of cleanliness. A fact that is truly amazing in the steroid era.
The big man is a two time American League Most Valuable Player who has pummeled 516 home runs with 24 or more bombs in 13 different seasons over his career. The total of 516 places him just five back of the legendary Ted Williams, and in front of names that would make a humble man blush.
In terms of RBI's, Frank claims the 22nd tier all time, 10 shy of Cal Ripken, who played in over 700 more games. And don't forget the fear-induced walks, where he has garnered the ninth rung. Amazing stuff, all! He will deservedly go down as one of the game's greats with the bat.
Let's not forget, however, the motto that we all must deal with.
"What have you done for me lately?"
Yes, last year he put up team leading numbers for the Jays with dingers and ribs, but it was a long time in coming. And while he delayed, the Jays losses mounted. Not by any means all his fault mind you, but at the same time he wasn't single-handedly able to pull them out of many defeats either. The potential to carry the team on a star's back for periods of time is one big reason teams spend the big bucks for the rare talent like Thomas. Unfortunately, the same trend was taking place again this year.
This team, like last year, needs all the offense it can get if it's to have the big year many are demanding. Like it or not, the DH must carry a large measure of the work load, but in Frank's case it wasn't happening. And it's not any more likely to happen in the future with his age fast approaching 40. He's a phenomenal talent, but the odds are less on his side as the years tick by.
I disagree with some who say Thomas wasn't treated fairly in the end. He was informed personally by the manager that based on the needs of the team his playing time was going to diminish. Frank notified all who would listen that he wasn't happy with that choice, even going so far as to not congratulate his teammates for their victory on that same day. The very next day J.P. brought him in to talk it over, and they agreed together that Frank's release was best for all.
Because the Jays need to win now and get better in the future, they jettison Frank and the $10 million he would have cost them next year. With this move, the Jays take on some hurt of their own while hoping they do improve, and in the process leave Thomas with the remainder of this year's $12.5-plus million as a parting gift for playing in T.O..