Odds And Ends: Thomas, Jays, Myers, Nomo

Expect another one of these today. There's lots of little stuff, but not much in the way of substantive rumors. The Mariners were one of four teams contacted by Frank Thomas's agent. The A's were obviously another. So who were the other two? With 24-year-old backstop Robinzon Diaz mashing in AAA, the Jays might look to spin off either Gregg Zaun or Rod Barajas come July. 39-year-old southpaw Mike Myers requested and was granted his unconditional release from the Dodgers. After DFAing him on Sunday, the Royals have placed Hideo Nomo on release waivers. If unclaimed by noon on Tuesday,...

Odds and Ends: Crisp, King, Sweeney

Here's today's linkage. Bobby Kielty's hand injury drastically reduces the chance of a Coco Crisp trade within the next month. Who needs a lefty reliever? The Nationals' Ray King would like to be traded rather than head to Triple A. Mike Sweeney was excited about signing with the Twins last winter, but the Craig Monroe trade ended that possibility. Susan Slusser doesn't expect the A's to keep both Frank Thomas and Sweeney for very long. Joe Sports Fan ranks the seven best long-term contracts. Any additions? How about Dan Haren at four years and $12.65MM?

Frank Thomas Signs With A's

TODAY: Thomas has signed with the A's, according to the AP. Can't help but like such a low-cost move, though it means Jack Cust can't be stashed at DH. WEDNESDAY, :12pm: Brown says Thomas was close with the A's, but another team jumped in with an offer. So he's considering two offers currently. That mystery team is not Ron Gardenhire's Twins. 6:49pm: There are not quite 100% but legit-sounding stories bouncing around about the A's signing Thomas. One is from WWWT Radio in Washington D.C. via Baseball Digest Daily; another is a now-defunct post from Yahoo's Tim Brown via RotoWorld....

No Thomas, Bonds For Royals

On Monday, Bradford Doolittle suggested that Frank Thomas or Barry Bonds might make sense for the Royals if they move Billy Butler to first base. The Royals' .311 OBP is 13th in the AL; their .346 SLG is the league's worst. Based on Dayton Moore's offseason moves, he seems to be playing to win in '08. Moore rained on the Thomas/Bonds parade yesterday, implying that he is not considering either player currently. Mike Piazza might work, if it's clubhouse concerns the Royals aim to avoid.

Odds And Ends: Crede, Morris, Thomas

Just a couple of lingering posts in my browser this morning. It looks like Joe Crede is sticking by Scott Boras's side as he enters free agency after this season. I can't blame him. It's one thing for a superstar like A-Rod or an established veteran like Kenny Rogers to do what they want. But Crede certainly benefits from being repped by Boras. If Pirates GM Neal Huntington has plans to ditch Matt Morris, he's not tipping his hand. The 33-year-old righty has been downright horrible since coming over to Pittsburgh, a gaffe made by who else by Dave Littlefield....

Royals Seeking Offensive Upgrade?

Did you know that the Royals have yet to score more than six runs in a game this season? I didn't, either, before I came across Bradford Doolittle's piece in the Kansas City Star. While the team has seen some quality performances from the pitching staff, their offense is in a rut. Lucky for them, there are two guys waiting by the phone right now who could provide instant upgrades: Frank Thomas and Barry Bonds. Thomas could definitely fit into the picture. Ross Gload is okay, but certainly not a lock as a regular. The only problem here is that...

Frank Thomas Suitors

The Blue Jays are on the hook for the rest of Frank Thomas' salary this year, making him a fine bargain for a team looking for a DH. It seems that the signing team will not be liable for his 2009 vesting option. As an injury-prone DH with clubhouse concerns, Thomas has similarities to Barry Bonds. The Big Hurt will come more cheaply, offering less production but no steroid baggage. As far as suitors: Mariners GM Bill Bavasi will talk to his scouts about Thomas. Question for Mariners fans: does Thomas offer more at DH than Jeff Clement, who is...

Frank Thomas Released

11:10am: While I was writing the below, Frank Thomas was released. That was fast. I would expect the Jays to call up Adam Lind. They've lost a big chunk of run production, so they should be looking for a new DH. Barry Bonds? As for Thomas, I think there will be a lot of interest. My immediate thought is the Rays, which could come back to bite the Jays. Better suggestions? 9:48am: More drama coming out of the Blue Jays clubhouse as Frank Thomas has been benched indefinitely, sparking rumors of his potential release. Last night, the Big Hurt was...