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| Monday, February 26 | |||||
| Thomas talks with Manuel after skipping workout | |||||
TUCSON, Ariz. – Frank Thomas didn't work out for a fifth
straight day Sunday, and the unhappy Chicago star had another
telephone conversation with White Sox manager Jerry Manuel.
Thomas claims his $9.9 million salary is too low, especially
when compared to Alex Rodriguez's $252 million, 10-year contract
with Texas.
"I understand he and Jerry had a very encouraging
conversation," general manager Kenny Williams said, adding he
hoped Thomas would be in camp by Tuesday, the mandatory reporting
date under baseball's collective bargaining agreement.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported that Thomas won't report to camp Monday in order to meet with White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf in Tucson.
"Frank's going to meet with Mr. Reinsdorf, and they will have a closed-door meeting to discuss this situation," Mike Moye, Thomas' Atlanta-based agent, said Sunday. "We are still working to resolve these issues."
The Chicago Tribune reported that Reinsdorf will arrive in Tucson on Monday and is expected to meet with Thomas and his representatives.
Manuel told reporters there was "no news" on the Thomas front
and declined to discuss his Saturday night conversation with the
first baseman.
Thomas came to camp Wednesday, unpacked his gear and took a
physical but left before Williams addressed the team. He was
initially expected back Friday but hasn't returned.
"Obviously it's caused a stir," Williams said. "Sometimes
we're all human and sometimes we say things and take actions we
wish we hadn't said or taken.
"Once we have time to reflect on them, sometimes you see
things from a different perspective. I'm not saying that's the case
here, but I'm saying that it is possible."
Thomas is due $9,927,000 in each of the next six seasons under a
deal he signed in September 1997, but only this year is really
guaranteed.
Under a clause in Thomas' contract, if Thomas isn't an All-Star,
fails to finish in the top 10 in AL MVP voting and fails to win a
Silver Slugger, the White Sox can change his salary to $250,000
plus $10,125,000 deferred.
Thomas, in turn, could then terminate the contract and elect to
become a free agent.
Thomas batted .328 with 43 homers and 143 RBI last season. At
the time he signed the extension, it gave him the 10th-highest
average salary in baseball.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report. Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories | ALSO SEE White Sox GM gives Alderson his side of Wells-Sirotka trade | ||||