Tweet
The Chicago White Sox cut ties with slugger Frank Thomas, refusing Wednesday to offer salary arbitration to the two-time American League MVP.
The World Series champions also declined to offer arbitration to designated hitter Carl Everett and backup catcher Raul Casanova. Players who became free agents and weren't offered arbitration can't re-sign with their former clubs until May 1.
Players offered arbitration have until Dec. 19 to accept and can re-sign through Jan. 8.
Chicago's decision to let Thomas go was not a surprise. The White Sox re-signed first baseman Paul Konerko, agreeing last week to a $60 million, five-year contract, and acquired Jim Thome, who figures to become the designated hitter, in a swap with Philadelphia for center fielder Aaron Rowand.
Hobbled by leg injuries for the second straight season, the 37-year-old Thomas hit .219 with 12 homers and 26 RBI in 34 games. He started the season on the disabled list following surgery, played for the first time on May 31, then went back on the DL on July 21 with another left ankle fracture. He did not play again.
A five-time All-Star, he has a .307 career average with 448 homers and 1,465 RBI. He won consecutive MVP awards in 1993 and 1994.
Everett hit .251 with 23 homers and 87 RBI last season. Casanova got into just six games with Chicago this year, going 1-for-5. He spent most of the season at Triple-A Charlotte.
Source: AP
The World Series champions also declined to offer arbitration to designated hitter Carl Everett and backup catcher Raul Casanova. Players who became free agents and weren't offered arbitration can't re-sign with their former clubs until May 1.
Players offered arbitration have until Dec. 19 to accept and can re-sign through Jan. 8.
Chicago's decision to let Thomas go was not a surprise. The White Sox re-signed first baseman Paul Konerko, agreeing last week to a $60 million, five-year contract, and acquired Jim Thome, who figures to become the designated hitter, in a swap with Philadelphia for center fielder Aaron Rowand.
Hobbled by leg injuries for the second straight season, the 37-year-old Thomas hit .219 with 12 homers and 26 RBI in 34 games. He started the season on the disabled list following surgery, played for the first time on May 31, then went back on the DL on July 21 with another left ankle fracture. He did not play again.
A five-time All-Star, he has a .307 career average with 448 homers and 1,465 RBI. He won consecutive MVP awards in 1993 and 1994.
Everett hit .251 with 23 homers and 87 RBI last season. Casanova got into just six games with Chicago this year, going 1-for-5. He spent most of the season at Triple-A Charlotte.
Source: AP