Thomas back in Bay
Frank Thomas is back in the Bay Area – and it’s as if he never left.
The Oakland Athletics agreed to terms Thursday with designated hitter Thomas, who was released Sunday by the Toronto Blue Jays to become a free agent after getting frustrated with his lack of playing time.
Thomas was in the lineup for the A’s in their series finale against the Minnesota Twins, batting cleanup as the DH. He will be the team’s new regular designated hitter just as he was while a catalyst in Oakland’s 2006 playoff run and A.L. West championship that year.
Oakland will be on the hook only for about $337,000 – a prorated share of the $390,000 league minimum – so this move was a bargain for general manager Billy Beane and a club looking to boost its power numbers.
Makeover at Dodger Stadium
The Los Angeles Dodgers unveiled a four-year upgrade plan for Dodger Stadium that owner Frank McCourt said amounts to a new home for the team built around the nearly 50-year-old core of the old.
The plan includes a tree-lined entrance to a landscaped grand plaza beyond center field that will connect to a promenade of restaurants, shops and a Dodgers museum.
It’s all planned to be completed by opening day in 2012, with a price tag of about $500 million, according to a news release from Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s office.
The changes require approval from the city council, expected to be a formality.
Rodriguez returns
Injured Alex Rodriguez rejoined the New York Yankees, but was not in the starting lineup for the team’s game against the Chicago White Sox.
The All-Star third baseman has not played since leaving Sunday’s game in Baltimore because of a strained right quadriceps. He got treatment in New York on Monday, and then went to Miami to join his wife, who gave birth to the couple’s second daughter. He passed out cigars Thursday in the clubhouse to celebrate.
He said his leg has improved, but he still needs to test his mobility before he can play.
Rodriguez said he hoped to return to the lineup tonight for the start of a three-game series in Cleveland against the Indians.
Management to be treated same
Baseball commissioner Bud Selig hinted strongly that management officials implicated in the Mitchell Report won’t be suspended or fined.
Speaking to the Associated Press Sports Editors, Selig indicated public service will be required of officials found to have acted improperly.
“They’re going to be treated the same way” as the players, Selig said.