Thomas released; Double homer games for trio
What a great day of baseball!
The biggest story of the day was the release of Frank Thomas by the Blue Jays. Thomas was informed yesterday of reduced playing time due to his recent slump. However, Thomas has started the past two years in a similar weak fashion, but managed to turn it around and put up great numbers in 2006 and 2007. Something else was up and Frank was not pleased…
A key to understanding what lies in Thomas' contract, which included plate incentives: 304 more plate appearances would have guaranteed him a $10 million option for 2009, money that the Jays are now free to spend elsewhere next season.
Thomas was vocal about his displeasure at being benched, saying "My career is not going to end this way." Wisely avoiding distraction that could derail the Jays right now, GM J.P. Ricciardi met with Thomas this morning and the result was an unconditional release.
Some feel this now paves the way for the Jays to sign Barry Bonds, but I'm hoping this isn't the case. I think Matt Stairs can do a fine job as the new DH and this makes room to bring back Adam Lind from the minors, who needs playing time to develop into an everyday major leaguer (and who's sporting a hot .360 BA right now!)
Back to the diamond, there were some awesome games played today, with at least three players hitting two home runs:
- Hanley Ramirez sparkled defensively and led the Marlins to victory over the Nationals with his two homers.
- The Reds' Edwin Encarnacion made up for a fielding error with two homers, and Ken Griffey Jr. was the game hero, driving in the winning run in a dramatic 10th inning victory over the Brewers.
- Chase Utley led the Phillies past the Mets with his two homers in a fantastic game that closed out this great day of Sunday baseball.
I also really enjoyed the Padres/D-backs game, but I missed the last 3 innings. Did Byrnes keep that 14-game hitting streak going, or is he shaving that mustache tonight?
(By the way, I love those old baby blue Jays uniforms like the one Frank is sporting above, but the award for best retro uniform is a tie between the Padres and Astros!)
