Thomas's agents from Moye Sports Associates resigned Wednesday, citing a difference in principle with the Chicago White Sox star, who skipped six workouts because he was unhappy with some clauses in his contract. Thomas returned to the White Sox on Tuesday, the mandatory report date.
"From the beginning of our involvement with Frank this off-season, we have consistently advised him to honour his contract, perform to the best of his abilities on the field and address any issues he might have with the White Sox privately," his agents said in a statement. "Based on recent discussions with Frank, we have concluded that we have divergent views on certain principles that we believe are fundamental in the representation of our clients."
Thomas said the decision came as no surprise. Former Cubs pitcher Scott Sanderson and Mike Moye began representing Thomas late last year, just over a year after his long-time agent, Robert Fraley, died in the plane crash that also killed golfer Payne Stewart.
The Big Hurt and White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf deny making changes to the Chicago slugger's contract. (AP Photo)
"It was an unfair situation for them," Thomas said Thursday. "They'd just came aboard, weren't abreast about everything.
"They had nothing to do with what went on last week. That was a personal decision."
Thomas left camp March 21 because he was unhappy with some of the terms of his contract, particularly the "diminished skills" clause.
On Wednesday, Thomas and White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf issued a statement denying published reports that they agreed to change the skills clause in Thomas' contract. There were no agreements on any other clauses, either.
"There is not a gentleman's agreement between us," the statement read. "In fact, no promises have been made, and no expressed or implied agreement exists, and Frank intends to honour his contract as written."
Thomas's contract calls for him to receive $9,927,000 in each of the next six seasons, with $3,827,000 a year deferred with interest.
But only this year is truly guaranteed. If he fails to become an all-star, win a Silver Slugger or finish among the top 10 in MVP voting, the White Sox can revise the deal and pay him only $250,000, plus $10,125,000 deferred.
If that happens -- and the White Sox don't have to invoke the clause -- Thomas could terminate the contract and become a free agent.
Thomas said after the release was issued that he considered the matter "dead."
"I understand the contract better, but it is a dead issue," he said. "Everything has been said about this."
Thomas hit .328 with 43 homers last year while driving in 143 runs.
