Nomar/Frank Thomas close to signing with Oakland?

[RynMan]

Great news! The Twins were the only other team I really figured as a threat. All's we gotta do is find a team with a lefty specialist we need and trade Payton for him, sign Thomas, and there you have it. Your 2006 World Series Champs.

Yeah man we should deal Payton....if you move him, you free up more cash to sign Thomas, while upgrading the offense, and the defense remaining almost as good. Teams that need a CF: Boston, Arizona, Florida. Arizona makes the most sense to me.....throw in Kennedy, and get Quentin or Jackson in return, then just use Flores as our lefty specialist.

[AmishRakeFight2005]

My guess is the Red Sox are going to step in soon and sweep him to Boston. They're getting desperate to make a move.

Where would Oakland put him now that they have all but promised Swish the first base job and DJ the DH role?

Also, they would have to give up a draft pick to get Thomas. Am I correct on that?

[stevethumb]

ZERO chance of jpayton coming to boston...he burned his bridges w/the front office in general and tfrancona in particular...while i said at the time he was moved it was a shortsighted mistake, jay p will not be a member of the 06 bosox

[AmishRakeFight2005]

ZERO chance of jpayton coming to boston...he burned his bridges w/the front office in general and tfrancona in particular...while i said at the time he was moved it was a shortsighted mistake, jay p will not be a member of the 06 bosox

Oh...not Jay Payton coming to Boston, Frank Thomas. My sources tell me the Sox are trying to sign JT Snow but will settle for Frank Thomas. The heat on Snow is to lower the asking price of Thomas who I hear is asking for 8 mil per season and wants a 3-5 year deal. Boston ain't gonna sign him for that kinda dough.

[Half Massed]

I just read an article in the SF Chronicle saying that the A's are still interested in Thomas if his recovery from the whole broken foot thing continues to go well. They also said they might not trade somebody if they sign Thomas, but I don't know if I believe that.

[RynMan]

I just read an article in the SF Chronicle saying that the A's are still interested in Thomas if his recovery from the whole broken foot thing continues to go well. They also said they might not trade somebody if they sign Thomas, but I don't know if I believe that.

Yeah, they would have to trade somebody I would say. None of those guys are bench players.

[stevethumb]

just curious..IF the thomas thang doesnt materialize will the A's stand pat or would mpiazza be an alternative ?

[RynMan]

just curious..IF the thomas thang doesnt materialize will the A's stand pat or would mpiazza be an alternative ?

I don't see Piazza. I think that he would be too expensive, although I would probably think he would be a good signing if gotten cheap. I say they stand pat without Thomas.

[Half Massed]

just curious..IF the thomas thang doesnt materialize will the A's stand pat or would mpiazza be an alternative ?

My understanding at this point is it's Thomas or nothing. Should Thomas prove healthy, the A's will probably sign him. Should he not, or he wants too much or whatnot, we'll stay with what we have. Piazza is out of the equation as far as I know. Signing an extra person could actually create problems as we'd have six guys for five spots, so we're not actively seeking out another player, only Thomas. The reason for Thomas is that he'll come cheap, can put up great production when healthy, and when he's not healthy, we have quality guys to use.

[AmishRakeFight2005]

...and if Frank does produce Billy can trade him or lose him in free agency thus gathering probably a type B draft pick in the process.

My concern is cutting into DJ's playing time along with Swisher. These guys need their at bats.

Piazza isn't coming nearly Oakland. No room for him.