Where will the Big Hurt land?

So after the release of Frank Thomas by the foolish Blue Jays, one question has been on everyone's minds: "How is Detroit playing so poorly?" No actually, there has been major speculation as to where Frank will play next.

It is a no-brainer that some team will take Thomas. He is one of the best hitters of the last two decades. Last year, he hit only eight home-runs in the first two months with an OPS around 700, but hit eighteen in the months to follow with an OPS around 900. He is a slow starter and will probably mash after he hits 100 at bats this year. The question is who needs him?

Obviously Frank is staying in the AL as a DH, as he will probably not be a pinch hitter extraordinaire and hasnt played the field since manning first base for the White Sox in 2004. That narrows the field down quite a bit. You can also take out any team that has a preestablished designated hitter, so most of your elite teams are out. In my mind, there are four possible destinations for the Big Hurt, and here is how I feel they rank:

4) Kansas City Royals

The Royals haven't looked this competitive in years; you would think a hitter such as Frank Thomas would complete the puzzle and make this team a sure-fire wild card candidate. However, with Billy Butler DHing and Ross Gload and Alex Gordon manning the hot corners, I don't think this team will sacrifice the playing times of their young starters. Probably not an option for Frank.

3) Baltimore Orioles

Honestly, if we were in a video game, this would be a solid option as Kevin Millar's hot streak is bound to end and Frank could step in and mash for the rest of the year. It seems like a match made in heaven, however with Baltimore in full-on rebuild mode, there would be no reason for them to pay for Frank to DH on a losing team. I'm not sure Frank would want take a job knowing he is set up for failure.

2) Texas Rangers

With the Rangers in last place in the West, it is time for some drastic moves. It is a division that can be one with a couple of well-played roster moves and the signing of Frank Thomas could be one of those moves. Currently, Milton Bradley and Frank Catalanotto have been splitting time there when either one is not playing the outfield. Neither are hitting well at all, so taking a risk on Frank Thomas would make just as much sense.

1) Seattle Mariners

Jose Vidro....really? After selling the farm to acquire Erik Bedard, Seattle needs to do something to gain something resembling depth, especially after giving away Adam Jones. (Vidro .208/.278/.319 Jones .242/.294/.355 good deal!) I think this is easily the best option, but I would not be surprised to see him land in Texas either. Guaranteed one of these two options will be his destination.


EDIT Or Oakland, I suppose.