Jays Hope Big Hurt Will Provide Big Hits
Posted February 26, 2007 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Towering amongst Dunedin Florida ‘s lush palm trees, Frank Thomas, at 6’5″, 275 pounds, is big. And with a proven ability to bash baseballs into orbit with one swing of his brawny arms, he can definitely hurt opposing teams.
Now the man affectionately known as ‘The Big Hurt’ is ready and willing to bring his frightening brand of power hitting to Toronto, as one of several off-season acquisitions.
Thomas has been limbering up at spring training with the Jays, and he’s more than ready to contribute.
“I’ve always enjoyed Toronto , I played a lot of memorable games in Toronto ,” he said. “I’m happy to be on this team right now, a very special bunch of guys. It’s a team that’s so close to greatness.”
Jays G.M. J.P. Ricciardi believes Thomas is the type of player who can help the team find their elusive ‘greatness’.
“He just has that experience not to panic, and you can’t put a price tag on experience,” he said.
Thomas finished fourth in MVP voting last season, hitting 39 home runs for the A’s. But he insists he’s not simply a home run hitter.
“I’m going to give this team everything I’ve got, and not try to focus on home runs all the time. It takes a lot of big hits to win ball games and I’ve thought of myself as a hitter and not just a home run hitter. So if I go in with the right technique the home runs will happen.”
