Byline: Teddy Greenstein
CHICAGO _ Frank Thomas has a decision to make on Thursday, but it doesn't figure to be a difficult one.
Thomas will decide whether to return to the Chicago White Sox for 2004 and beyond.
Even if Thomas wanted a fresh start, sentiment invariably takes a back seat to common sense when millions of dollars are involved.
If Thomas returns to the Sox, he would be guaranteed $6 million in 2004, at least $8 million in 2005 and a $3.5 million buyout after the 2005 season.
That's $17.5 million guaranteed for the next two years.
Think any other team wants Thomas badly enough to exceed that?
Sure, Thomas hit 42 homers last season, one shy of his career high. But he will turn 36 in May, and National League teams could be reluctant to make him a full-time first baseman.
Plus there's a perception, fair or not, that Thomas isn't much of a team player.
A year ago, Thomas tested free agency after the Sox invoked the famous "diminished skills" clause in his old contract.
Although agent Arn Tellem claimed that at least five teams _ one in the National League and four in the American _ showed interest in Thomas, the two-time MVP returned to the Sox with a four-year deal that included three mutual option years.
Because Thomas remains Sox property, Tellem, who hasn't returned phone calls all week, technically is forbidden from asking other teams what they might bid for Thomas.
But with several teams promising to slash their payrolls, it's clear this year's market could prove even bleaker for free agents than last year's.
Texas plans to cut its budget from $104 million to $70-$75 million. San Francisco reportedly will trim $8 million off its $85 million payroll. The New York Mets will go from $117 million to $90-95 million. Atlanta will trim from $102 to about $95 million and Arizona reportedly will lop off about $14 million from the $94 million it spent last year.
Keeping that in mind, here are Thomas' possible suitors, ranked in order of probability.
Anaheim: First baseman Scott Spiezio ($4.25 million in '03) has filed for free agency, and the team is pledging to boost its payroll $10 million. But Tim Salmon is becoming a full-time DH and Darin Erstad might be moved to first.
Los Angeles: Dan Evans might want to reunite with Thomas, but because a sale of the team is pending approval, Evans might not be the general manager a month from now. The Los Angeles Dodgers are desperate for offense after averaging 3.54 runs per game last season_that's fewer than the Detroit Tigers_and have no first baseman in the picture. But important personnel decisions are weeks, if not months, away.
Atlanta: Julio Franco is a free agent and North Side villain Robert Fick might not be tendered a contract so the Atlanta Braves do have a need at first. But they're cutting payroll and have a decent prospect (Adam LaRoche) in the minors. Thomas is a native of Columbus, Ga., so signing with the perennial National League East champs could have tremendous appeal.
Baltimore: After lopping Albert Belle and Scott Erickson from the payroll, the Baltimore Orioles will have as much as $25 million in disposable funds. But the Orioles already have first baseman/DH David Segui at $7 million next season and could move Jay Gibbons to DH if they sign an outfielder. Baltimore is said to covet big-name free agents such as Vladimir Guerrero, Miguel Tejada, Ivan Rodriguez, Kevin Millwood and Bartolo Colon. A more likely first base target is Rafael Palmeiro.
Boston: First basemen Kevin Millar and David Ortiz (a bargain last year at $1.25 million) are under contract. As is Manny Ramirez, at a comical $20.2 million.
The Yankees: First baseman Nick Johnson is affordable, left-handed and patient at the plate. DH Jason Giambi isn't going anywhere after an off year and offseason arthroscopic knee surgery.
Seattle: Will pay first baseman John Olerud $7.7 million next year and is expected to bring back DH Edgar Martinez. The Seattle Mariners have little money to spend on free agents.
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(c) 2003, Chicago Tribune.
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