Blue Jays sign DH Thomas to two-year deal

TORONTO (Ticker) - Frank Thomas’ stay on the West Coast was a short one.

The veteran designated hitter on Friday signed a two-year, $18 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays with an option for the 2009 season.

Thomas, 38, spent the first 15 seasons of his career with the Chicago White Sox before signing with the Oakland Athletics prior to the 2006 campaign.

“The Big Hurt” was named the American League Comeback Player of the Year by the MLB Players Association after batting .270 with 39 home runs and 114 RBI in 137 games for the A’s, whom he helped lead to the AL Championship Series.

It was the first time in three seasons that Thomas had played in at least 100 games after missing the majority of the previous two with various foot and ankle injuries.

In 2005, the slugger appeared in just 34 games due to a fractured ankle, forcing him to the sidelines as the White Sox went on to claim their first World Series title in 87 years.

With the addition of Thomas, the Blue Jays stabilize the DH spot, which was filled by numerous players after Shea Hillenbrand had a very public and nasty departure in July.

Thomas joins sluggers Vernon Wells, Troy Glaus, Lyle Overbay and the emerging Alex Rios, allowing Toronto to put together a lineup that can rival any in the AL.

In his career spanning 2,096 games, Thomas has batted .305 with 487 home runs and 1,579 RBI.

A two-time AL MVP, Thomas is third among active players in home runs, trailing only Barry Bonds (734) and Ken Griffey Jr. (563). He is also just one of 10 players in major league history with a .300 batting average, 400 home runs, 1,000 RBI, 1,000 runs and 1,000 walks.