Frank Thomas Suitors

How about the Yankees? With Giambi not producing, Damon not producing up to par with what they would want from him, adding that power behind A-Rod with Posada's shoulder bothering him might not be a bad idea. Also it would be paid for by the Blue Jays, so this wouldn't ruin their attempt to cut some salaries at the end of 2008. Matsui seems like he is feeling well enough to play left field every day, and Damon could back him up. Having Damon as a utility outfielder could play strongly to their benefit, though I don't know if his ego will be ok with that. As far as Giambi, I would eat his salary and bench him for the year. He can't do it without the steroids.

I still think the Braves would be a good spot for him. They get the power bench bat they want, and he can start the 3 or 4 games Tex takes off this year.

The Twins, per mlb.com, seem to prefer Jason Kubel/Craig Monroe, but for major league minimum the always frugal front office has a chance to add some much needed right handed power. That's the obvious fit, unless Thomas can't hit the high fastball any more and is finished.

What about the O's? Thomas' clubhouse concerns don't apply when you have a gaggle of youngsters. In rebuild mode having a Thomas around for hitters to talk to and look up to would be good clubhouse chemistry, even if B.Roberts and N.Markakis might feel their star status get slightly diluted by the presence of yet another pillar of the baseball gods.

No. But if they could get a Kendry Morales or if 6 weeks go by and Mike Carp or Nick Evans is still mashing AA, then why not. If you guys remember, back in 2005 the Mets had Dougie M playing first base and by the time june came around, Mientkewicz (sp?) was in a platoon, and by the time late july to august came around, Mike Jacobs was bursting onto the scene. That is how Delgado ended up a Met in the first place. Jacobs and Carp seem to have similar approaches and batting styles, though this is in my limited time seeing Carp so I really dont know. But If Delgado doesnt pick it up, then you cant do much worse with a guy like Carp or Evans either way.

I think that the biggest issue with Thomas is that he is essentially expecting a starting job. He won't take a lesser role, it's the primary reason he's no longer in Toronto.

I still think that for the Mariners, it makes the most sense for them to sign Thomas. Forget Vidro, he just simply doesn't have the power to be a DH. The Mariners can keep Clement in the minors and help him develop more as a catcher, even though his value is primarily with his bat. Then maybe at the deadline this year the M's can shop both Vidro and Johjima (who is a free agent at the end of this year).

CF Ichiro
2B Lopez
LF Ibanez
DH Thomas
3B Beltre
1B Sexson
C Clement
RF Wilkerson/Balentien
SS Betancourt

I gotta say that looks better than what is getting trotted out there right now. Plus they could probably get a pretty good prospect or two for Vidro and Johjima. Or maybe another reliever for that rundown bullpen.