Frank Thomas Released

I can't say that I'm surprised by this move. Do I think that Frank Thomas' contract situation played a role? Of course. The Blue Jays don't want to be on the hook for $10 million to a guy who may be falling off a cliff talent wise. Do I think the benching of Thomas was also a move to improve the offense for the Blue Jays? Again - yes. There are many facets at play here. Such as:

- Matt Stairs probably does bring more to the plate than Frank Thomas at this point. I know it must hurt Thomas' ego that a Hall of Fame player like himself could be equaled or bettered in production by a career scrub player like Matt Stairs.

- Both Stairs and Thomas have posted OBP of about .370 the past two seasons. While Thomas has averaged a HR every 20.4 AB in his time in Toronto. Matt Stairs has averaged a HR every 18.1 AB during that same time frame.

- Frank Thomas comes off as surly and self-centered. Matt Stairs comes off as scrappy and blue-collar. Plus Stairs is Canadian.

- Some people will speculate that this will open the way for the Blue Jays to sign Barry Bonds. That's not going to happen. It is much more likely that it opens the door for top prospect Adam Lind.

- Will anyone be surprised if nobody picks up Frank Thomas? Thomas is a Hall of Fame player but his career could be over.