Monday, April 21, 2008

Big Hurt? Big Yes!

Frank Thomas was released from the Toronto Blue Jays yesterday and the time is now to replace Craig Craproe with the Big Hurt. The Twins could sure use the possible offense Thomas would bring to the team. Sure he was hitting .167 (10-for-60) with three home runs and 11 RBI in 16 games, but come on, this is Frank Thomas. He hit 26 homers last year with 95 RBI (.277 average). He has 516 career home runs.

The Blue Jays are locked into paying him $8 million for this season no matter who he signs with. Worth a shot? Not even worth discussing.

Thomas would take the place currently occupied by Craig Monroe. In addition, his signing would allow the Twins a real, viable solution to backup Justin Morneau at first base. The backup is currently Mike Lamb. Mike Lamb? Yep, Mike Lamb.

Some numbers:
Thomas: 40 years old, .167 BA, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 516 career HR, .302 career BA, .420 career OBA, 1,625 career RBI
Monroe: 31 years old, .231 BA (6-for-26), 0 HR, 3 RBI, 104 career HR, 391 career RBI, .256 career BA, .303 career OBA.

Those numbers don't compare. It's time to give the Big Hurt a shot. Heck, even if they have to move Kubel to right field and send Span down, it's time to take a chance.

3 comments:

Jimmy Olichwier said...

One more thing, Big Frank is typically a slow starter. Plus, you'd think he'd draw some people to the Dome. Sure, he has a reputation as a clubhouse cancer, but a new setting, even for the remainder of a year can give someone a fresh perspective.
Although the Twins are dead to me this year, I think this would be a good move.

Bullpen Catcher said...

First: Oli is the winner of the Bullpen's "Commento Award". He, by far, comments more than anyone on this site with some damn good stuff.

Second: The Twins will never do it. They never do. No balls. Thomas will end up signing for someone like Washington or Texas -- some team no one expects.

Jimmy Olichwier said...

I finally won something! Thomas signed with the A's. I wonder if he'll get there in time to hit 2 off of Fatcisco today.