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Nobody gets Hurt Thomas misses fifth workout, talks with Manuel
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- Frank Thomas didn't work out for a fifth straight day Sunday, and the unhappy Chicago star had another telphone conversation with White Sox manager Jerry Manuel. Thomas claims his $9.9 million salary is too low, especially when compared to Alex Rodriguez's 10-year, $252 million 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. 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, some times 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 RBIs last season. At the time he signed the extension, it gave him the 10th-highest average salary in baseball.
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