A’s try to keep Thomas

The Oakland Athletics have increased their efforts to re-sign Frank Thomas, offering the Big Hurt a two-year deal.

The A’s made the offer on Thursday – when general manager Billy Beane spoke to Thomas’ agent, Arn Tellem. Thomas has repeatedly said he wanted nothing less than a two-year deal, and Oakland previously offered one year with an option for 2008.

Thomas batted .270 with 39 home runs and 114 RBIs in 137 games this season after two injury-plagued seasons.

Wagner dead at 78

Dick Wagner, a former president of the Cincinnati Reds and Houston Astros who later became a top executive in the commissioner’s office, has died. He was 78. Wagner died Thursday at a Phoenix hospital from injuries sustained in a 1999 car crash, his wife, Gloria, said.

Around the majors

Closer Francisco Cordero’s $5.4 million option was exercised by the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday. … San Francisco Giants first baseman and outfielder Mark Sweeney underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and is expected to be ready in time for spring training.