Dodgers down Diamondbacks Sep 7, 2008
"One swing of the bat, he can change the game, the momentum. He just brings so much energy, so much life, it just relaxes all of us."Ramirez has 521 homers, good for a tie with Ted Williams, Willie McCovey and Frank Thomas for 17th on the career list, and 1,706 RBIs, putting him 20th. Ramirez has 11 homers and 34 RBIs in 34 games for the Dodgers since being acquired from Boston on July 31. (News & Observer -- Sports)
TRANSACTIONS Sep 5, 2008
OAKLAND ATHLETICS Activated INF Mike Sweeney from the 60-day DL. Transferred DH Frank Thomas from the 15- to the 60-day DL.. National League. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Bucs set sights on strong finish Sep 5, 2008
Besides Giles, only two other center fielders -- Frank Thomas and Andy Van Slyke -- have hit more homers (25) than McLouth in a season. When Jack Wilson returns from a finger injury that kept him out of action for the Pirates' entire series in Cincinnati, he'll continue to try to extend the second-longest errorless streak of his career. (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
CC loses - scoring decision Sep 4, 2008
Frank Thomas' season ended Wednesday when the Oakland Athletics transferred the designated hitter from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day one. He's been on the DL twice this year because of an injured right thigh. (Cleveland.com -- Sports)
Thomas shelved for rest of year Sep 4, 2008
(09-03) 21:43 PDT -- Frank Thomas' season ended Wednesday when the A's transferred the designated hitter from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day one. Images. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
* Boston wallop Baltimore 14-2 Sep 4, 2008
Ramirezs 520th homer put him one behind Ted Williams, Willie McCovey and Frank Thomas, who are tied for 17th place. He has 30 this season, 10 since the trade that sent him from Boston. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Let's talk pitching - not Braves pitching Sep 4, 2008
That would be like giving the AL MVP to Frank Thomas since he s had the best career of any player who played in the AL this season. If he continues on the same trajectory, then he would have outpitched both Webb and Licencum for a substantial period of time. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
A's Sweeney knows the end is near Sep 4, 2008
To make room for him on the roster, Oakland transferred DH Frank Thomas (strained right quadriceps) from the 15-day DL to the 60-day DL, ending his season and possibly his career. "Frank's obviously a Hall of Famer, a great man and a great teammate," Sweeney said. (MLB.com -- Oakland Athletics)
A Cardinal Tint to the A.L. Pennant Races Sep 4, 2008
In just his third big league campaign, Quentin leads the A.L. with a career-high 36 home runs (one behind Philadelphia's Ryan Howard for the Major League lead) and ranks fourth with 100 RBI. In fact, he has a chance to become only the sixth player in White Sox history to reach the 40-home run plateau, joining the likes of Albert Belle, Jermaine Dye, Paul Konerko, Frank Thomas and Jim Thome. Lowrie, who made his Major League debut on April 15, is batting. (Gostanford.com)
Royals set to play a pair Sep 4, 2008
He replaced Frank Thomas on the roster. Sweeney came off the 60-day disabled list and Thomas went on that list. (MLB.com -- Kansas City Royals)
Manny powers Dodgers to 4th straight win Sep 3, 2008
Ramirezs 520th career home run put him one behind Ted Williams, Willie McCovey and injured Oakland As DH Frank Thomas, who are tied for 17th place. Ramirez has 30 this season, 10 since the trade that sent him from Boston to Los Angeles on July 31. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Notes: Sweeney, Outman called up Sep 2, 2008
He still is not running all that well, according to a scout, but Frank Thomas was essentially station-to-station before going on the disabled list with a reoccurrence of a quadriceps injury Saturday. With Thomas out of action, Sweeney is likely to get the bulk of his at-bats as the A's right-handed-hitting DH.. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Notebook: Street wants job back, but... Sep 1, 2008
Briefly: Designated hitter Frank Thomas will get more tests on his injured right quadriceps this week and there is a possibility that he will require surgery. Either way, his return this season appears extremely doubtful. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
A's hit road with confidence Sep 1, 2008
" The A's are making their first trip to Kansas City this season, and former Royal Mike Sweeney is expected to make the trip. He's been on a rehab assignment the past week. The A's swept their first series against Kansas City and the Royals came back to sweep Oakland during the A's recent struggles in which they were 5-25 during a 30-game stretch. OAK: LHP Gio Gonzalez (1-2, 7.25 ERA) The A's staked Gonzalez to a 6-0 lead after two innings against the host Angels his last time out, but he... (MLB.com -- Oakland Athletics)
A's could have three arms back soon Sep 1, 2008
In related news, A's designated hitter Frank Thomas will undergo further tests on Sunday to determine extent of the damage to his strained right quadriceps. He's likely done for the season, and was seen clearing out his locker. (MLB.com -- Oakland Athletics)
Sweeney to return to KC as visitor Sep 1, 2008
The A's could use him in place of DH Frank Thomas, who went on the disabled list again on Saturday with a recurring quadriceps problem. Sweeney is anxious to see the renovations in the progress at Kauffman Stadium and says he already has four of the stadium's old seats next to his batting cage at San Diego. (MLB.com -- Kansas City Royals)
A's Make Five Roster Moves Aug 31, 2008
Just days before the September 1st roster expansion date, the Oakland A's have announced a series of roster moves, including that DH Frank Thomas has been sent to the DL and outfield prospect Aaron Cunningham has been promoted to Oakland for the first time. The A's also announced that lefty Dan Meyer has been sent to Double-A Midland. (Oakland, TheInsiders.com)
Covering the bases: Major League notes Aug 31, 2008
Athletics designated hitter Frank Thomas was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday because of a strained right quadriceps. All rights reserved. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Big Hurt DL'd Aug 31, 2008
(AP) -- Athletics designated hitter Frank Thomas was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday because of a strained right quadriceps. Thomas was in uniform and scheduled to bat fourth against the before the team made the surprise announcement less than two hours before the start of the game. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- MLB)
Punchless Pirates' losing streak at nine games Aug 31, 2008
Frank Thomas had 25 in 1953, Andy Van Slyke the same number in 1988. "No question, the trades have had an effect," Russell said. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
A's place Thomas on disabled list Aug 31, 2008
OAKLAND -- Frank Thomas' lingering quadriceps injury landed him on the 15-day disabled list prior to Saturday's game against the Minnesota Twins. Thomas, who was on the initial lineup card as the designated hitter batting cleanup, was a late scratch after feeling discomfort in his strained right quadriceps during batting practice. (MLB.com -- Oakland Athletics)
Snider could prove to be key at DH Aug 30, 2008
" Entering this season, the Blue Jays believed they were set with veterans Frank Thomas and Matt Stairs in the fold to fill the DH role. After an abysmal April, Toronto released Thomas, who then signed with Oakland. On Thursday, the Jays designated a slumping Stairs for assignment and the club is working out a trade that could send him to the Phillies. In all, the Blue Jays have cycled through 15 different players at the DH spot this season. Combined, those players hit at a .229 clip (ranked... (MLB.com -- Toronto Blue Jays)
Meyer exits early as A's hit hard Aug 30, 2008
Frank Thomas and Kurt Suzuki each had two hits for the A's, who were unable to win three straight for the first time since June 13-17. "Frank has been swinging the bat a lot better and has definitely helped us win some games," Geren said. (MLB.com -- Oakland Athletics)
A's looking to get winning streak going Aug 30, 2008
Designated hitter Frank Thomas is 8-for-20. 400) over his last six games following his career-long 0-for-23 streak. (MLB.com -- Oakland Athletics)
Suzuki's double lifts A's past Twins Aug 29, 2008
Frank Thomas scored Oakland's first run in the fourth on a double play after hitting a leadoff double against Twins starter Nick Blackburn, who saw his winless stretch reach four starts. Minnesota continued a grueling 15-day, 14-game road trip, the Twins' longest since the 1969 season. (Anchorage Daily News)
Thome, Junior seek elusive ring Aug 29, 2008
08/28/2008 1:35 PM ET Thome, Junior set sights on elusive ring Both legendary sluggers driven to win first World Series By Scott Merkin / MLB.com. Between this trio of Major League Baseball royalty, posed majestically next to each other for a picture taken on a sunny Sunday morning two weekends ago at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, bats in hand and smiles on their faces, they have made 23 All-Star appearances. (MLB.com -- Chi White Sox White Sox)
More > Aug 29, 2008
Frank Thomas led off with a double to left field and Ryan Sweeney followed with a single to center that moved Thomas to third. In the ensuing at-bat, Alexi Casilla was able to make a standout nab and throw from his glove to induce a 4-6-3 double play, but Thomas scored on the play. (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
A's Edge Twins In Ninth Aug 29, 2008
The A's broke a scoreless tie in the fourth frame as Frank Thomas led off with a double to left. Sweeney singled to make it first and third before Barton hit a grounder up the middle that Alexi Casilla made a diving stop for. (NBC 11, CA)
A's Gonzalez undeterred by demotion Aug 29, 2008
OAKLAND -- As Carlos Gonzalez set about the task of locating all his bats and other paraphernalia in the A's clubhouse Thursday afternoon, veteran designated hitter Frank Thomas told the rookie outfielder not to pack so heavily, despite being optioned hours earlier to Triple-A Sacramento. "It's a four-day trip," Thomas said. (MLB.com -- Oakland Athletics)
A's shake playoff picture with walk-off Aug 29, 2008
The A's sprang to action in the fourth inning thanks to a leadoff double from designated hitter Frank Thomas that kicked up chalk as it landed on the left-field line. Sweeney rifled Blackburn's first pitch back through the box to put runners at the corners. (MLB.com -- Oakland Athletics)
Time for self-analysis in fantasy stretch Aug 28, 2008
Experts find statistical gains, injuries key down the stretch - USATODAY.com. Experts find statistical gains, injuries key down the stretch. (USA Today -- Sports)
Instant replay for baseball starts this week Aug 28, 2008
The World Link: Instant replay for baseball starts this week. Instant replay for baseball starts this week. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Back To Back? Ack! Aug 27, 2008
Frank Thomas was out of the lineup, in part because his right quadriceps was sore after his sprint home on a wild pitch the night before. "I put it into third gear coming home because I didn't know if the ball was going to bounce back off the backstop," said Thomas, who missed more than two months in the middle of the season with a severe strain of that quad muscle. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
SECOND CHANCE MLB is ready to begin using instant replay Aug 27, 2008
"I think it's really great. Every other sport has it, why not baseball?" designated hitter Frank Thomas said. "If you have the technology, why not use it? Everyone's happier if the call is right.". (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Lackey, Angels beat Athletics 5-1 Aug 27, 2008
"I think it's great for the game," Oakland DH Frank Thomas said. "It's used in other sports, so I don't know why baseball was opposed to it. Yes, we've dealt with the human element for a long time in baseball, but there have been a lot of bad calls over the years that, I'm sure the umpires didn't go home and sleep well after seeing it on replay. I've lost a couple of home runs over the years that were called foul. But I just think it's always right to make the right call, for all parties.". (Anchorage Daily News)
MLB REPLAY TO BEGIN THURSDAY Aug 27, 2008
"Every team can go home and sleep better at night if they know the call was right," Oakland designated hitter Frank Thomas said. Baseball commissioner Bud Selig, who described himself as "old fashioned" when he made the announcement Tuesday, softened his opposition following a rash of blown calls this year. (New York Post)
AFL rosters taking shape Aug 27, 2008
The Padres prospect, who at 6-foot-6 and 270 pounds has been likened to Frank Thomas, was hitting. 318 with 18 homers and 101 RBIs. (MLB.com -- Toronto Blue Jays)
A's Beat Angels. *Yawn* Aug 26, 2008
Jack Hannahan, who belted two solo homers the day before, provided a double in the fourth that moved Frank Thomas to third and Thomas then scored on a wild pitch. The two combined on one of the A's many nice plays Monday. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Twins blow chance to move into 1st-place tie Aug 26, 2008
Seattle optioned RHP Mark Lowe to Triple-A Tacoma two days after he was in the left foot by a ball off the bat of Oakland's Frank Thomas. RHP Randy Messenger was promoted from Tacoma. (Anchorage Daily News)
Weaver has more hard luck, falls to A's Aug 26, 2008
"I go way back with Jered. We came up together in the Minors. I got him once today and he got me once." Weaver's other mistake came on his second wild pitch of the season, with Frank Thomas on third base with two outs in the fourth. The changeup took a bad hop off catcher Mike Napoli, who took the blame for the play. (MLB.com -- Anaheim Angels)
Inglett thriving under pressure Aug 26, 2008
If Inglett was intimidated by the atmosphere in the Bronx, he didn't show it -- after entering as a pinch-runner for Frank Thomas in the 11th inning on Sept. 21, he promptly stole second base. In the 13th inning, Inglett drilled a pitch into left field for a single in his first-ever plate appearance for the Jays. (MLB.com -- Toronto Blue Jays)
Mench optioned to Triple-A Syracuse Aug 26, 2008
Diaz had a brief stint with the Jays in late April, after Toronto released designated hitter Frank Thomas, and went 0-for-4 in his only game action on April 23 against Tampa Bay. While Diaz was sidelined with the injury, though, he slipped behind catching prospects J.P. Arencibia and Brian Jeroloman on Toronto's depth chart. (MLB.com -- Toronto Blue Jays)
Barton's bat, strong Braden give A's win Aug 26, 2008
The A's touched Weaver for another run in the fourth when Frank Thomas drew his second walk of the game, did a slow-motion rumble to third on a double by Jack Hannahan and scored when a Weaver sinker bounced in the dirt, ticked off catcher Mike Napoli's chest protector and zipped all the way to the backstop. "We got a break on the wild pitch," Geren conceded. (MLB.com -- Oakland Athletics)
Former Stagg High star stymies Angels Aug 26, 2008
Frank Thomas scored Oakland's second run on a wild pitch in the fourth after drawing his second walk and advancing on a double by Jack Hannahan. The Angels got on the board when Mike Napoli drove Braden's first pitch of the sixth inning far over the 18-foot wall in right field for his 14th homer, trimming Oakland's lead to 2-1. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Right Pop, Wrong Time Aug 25, 2008
(08-25) 04:00 PDT Seattle -- With the exception of Frank Thomas, the A's aren't known for their power. Oakland Athletics. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
The Best Hitters of the 1990s Aug 25, 2008
Ken Griffey, Frank Thomas and Mike Piazza head the list of the best batsmen of the Clinton Era ... Frank Thomas, Chicago White Sox. (Suite101.com)
Lowe out a few days for Mariners Aug 25, 2008
The injury occurred in the top of the seventh inning Saturday night, when Oakland designated hitter Frank Thomas lined a ball back through the box that hit square on Lowe's left foot before caroming into short right field. The right-hander remained in the game, retiring the next batter, Kurt Suzuki, on a flyout to right field before being replaced by Jake Woods. (MLB.com -- Seattle Mariners)
Getting To Know UK: Jorge Gonzalez Aug 25, 2008
JG: Frank Thomas, "The Big Hurt." He was awesome ... I mean, I'm a huge Brett Favre fan now, but I loved Frank Thomas ever since I was little. (Kentucky Sports -- Rivals.com)
Mariners can't score for Washburn Aug 24, 2008
After surrendering a leadoff single to Frank Thomas, Washburn retired the next two batters but fell behind in the count to Barton 3-and-1. "I didn't want to walk him in that situation," Washburn said, "and he did what he was supposed to.". (MLB.com -- Seattle Mariners)
Meyer trying to put on better show Aug 24, 2008
Tidbits Designated hitter Frank Thomas ended career-worst 0-for-23 hitless streak with a soft single to right field in the fourth inning Saturday night. The Athletics have not won back-to-back games since July 10-11. (MLB.com -- Oakland Athletics)
Thomas struggling since return to A's Aug 24, 2008
SEATTLE -- It hasn't been easy pickings for Frank Thomas since coming off the disabled list on July 31 after a two-month bout with tendinitis in his right quadricep. The big slugger entered Saturday's game in the middle a career-worst 0-for-23 streak and is 12-for-74. (MLB.com -- Oakland Athletics)
More Pain, Losing Aug 23, 2008
The A's trailed 4-1 in the sixth when Sean Green, just into the game in place of starter Ryan Feierabend, hit Frank Thomas and Kurt Suzuki to start the inning. Davis singled to left to load the bases and Carlos Gonzalez drove Thomas in with a groundout, bringing up Daric Barton. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Ageless Mussina hopes to be a 20-something Aug 23, 2008
Mussina held the White Sox to four hits at Comiskey Park in Chicago but lost 1-0 on Frank Thomas home run. Ive just been pleased Ive been able to go out there every time its my turn and pitch well, Mussina said. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Mariners' win is Feierabend's gift Aug 23, 2008
A leadoff walk to Eric Patterson on a full-count pitch and one-out single to center put Putz in a bit of a bind, but he induced Frank Thomas to ground into a 6-4-3 double play to end the game and get high-fives and handshakes afterwards. "I think I'm getting there," said Putz, who has been on the disabled list twice this season. (MLB.com -- Seattle Mariners)
Dominguez and Wunderlich Earn Summer All-League Honors Aug 21, 2008
Dominguez joined former AL MVP Frank Thomas as the only two players in Cape Cod League history to hit three home runs in a single game with a wood bat when he belted three round trippers against Falmouth on July 9, helping to earn Dominguez a starting spot in the Cape Cod All-Star game. Wunderlich finished the season with the DuPage Dragons batting. (Uoflsports.com)
Smith hopes for some support from A's Aug 21, 2008
"It's terrible," Oakland designated hitter Frank Thomas said this week. "Smitty's pitched some great games for us, and the offense has let him down.". (MLB.com -- Oakland Athletics)
Thomas wants to return to A's in '09 Aug 20, 2008
MINNEAPOLIS -- With 19 years of big league experience under his belt, Frank Thomas feels like he knows when he sees a team on the rise. It is for that reason that he signed with the A's after being released by the Blue Jays in April, and despite Oakland's injury-accelerated slide from contention this summer, it's why he wants to return to the team in 2009. (MLB.com -- Oakland Athletics)
Geren mum on backup closer Aug 20, 2008
Frank Thomas was among the several players glued to the clubhouse televisions before batting practice. Their programming of choice: the Little League World Series. (MLB.com -- Oakland Athletics)
Read more. . Aug 20, 2008
Suzuki s fourth-inning single scored Frank Thomas and Jack Cust. The loss snapped a four-game winning streak for Minnesota and wasted a good start from Blackburn (9-7). (Williston Daily Herald, ND)
Quentin brushes off MVP talk Aug 19, 2008
" Quentin has no reason to be frightened, because, in all honesty, his focus stays almost exclusively on baseball. He opened action against Jarrod Washburn on Monday with a .292 average and 95 RBIs to go with the lofty homer total, not to mention a .395 on-base percentage and a .582 slugging percentage. Whatever routine Quentin has followed this season, it has worked far better than anyone but Quentin or White Sox general manager Ken Williams would have expected. Quentin has stayed with the same... (MLB.com -- Chi White Sox White Sox)
A's win but lose Duchscherer Aug 19, 2008
The A's padded the lead in the fourth inning, when Kurt Suzuki followed a walk to Frank Thomas and a double by Jack Cust with a two-run single to center field. Saarloos, meanwhile, seemed unfazed by the Twins, who entered the game tied atop the AL Central standings. (MLB.com -- Oakland Athletics)
Same old story as A's reach new depths Aug 19, 2008
"Of course we were pressing, because we're not scoring the runs we're capable of scoring," designated hitter Frank Thomas said. "That stuff becomes contagious. It's frustrating, but we've still got a lot of baseball to play.". (San Francisco Chronicle)
Quentin, Ramirez power White Sox Aug 18, 2008
He worked ahead in the count and moved the ball through the strike zone, A s slugger Frank Thomas said ... Notes: For the first time in major league history, three members of the 500 home run club (Ken Griffey, Jim Thome and Frank Thomas) were pinch hit for in the same game. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Notes: Not a good day for Gonzalez Aug 18, 2008
Ken Griffey Jr. (608 homers), Jim Thome (532) and Frank Thomas (521) all were removed in the lopsided affair. Their replacements went 1-for-3 with Dewayne Wise lining an RBI single up the middle against left-hander Dan Meyer in the seventh inning. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
A's staying positive in rough stretch Aug 18, 2008
Lost to deadline deals were starters Rich Harden, Chad Gaudin and Joe Blanton, while the list of players who have spent time on the disabled list includes Eric Chavez, Bobby Crosby, Frank Thomas, and both Mike and Ryan Sweeney. Also at the forefront of the A's second-half decline is an offense that ranks last in the league in batting average, runs scored, RBIs and slugging percentage. (MLB.com -- Oakland Athletics)
