Wise Kraken 2033.1: FT III Returns

[aaronweiner]

One of the toughest days in franchise history has been, at least partially, erased. The Rockville Pikemen brought back Frank Thomas III from the Vancouver Mounties in a deal that included starting DH Ralph Benson to bolster their burgeoning wild card chances. While the team is no longer the Carolina Kraken, Thomas was the face of the franchise when the team was in Charlotte and holds multiple team records. Thomas was required to approve any move, but barely hesitated to return to the franchise he called home for most of his career.

"When (Pikemen GM) Aaron Weiner called me up and told me that they were going to trade for me, I have to admit, it was a little bit bittersweet," said Thomas. "It wouldn't be in Carolina, most of my old teammates were gone, and it's a young team, but they assured me that they wouldn't have brought me back to be some kind of mentor, that they were looking to contend, now, and here."

Weiner echoed the same sentiments at the press conference.

"We actually just dealt for (starting pitcher) Juan Rodriguez right before Frank, and we assured him that we would never have brought him back if we weren't trying to win," said Weiner. "It makes a big difference to Frank, who knows he's near the end of his career, whether or not he's on a winner."

Thomas is the all-time franchise leader in games played, OPS, hits, runs, total bases, home runs, RBI, and walks, and ranks in the top three in nearly every other batting category. A knee injury in 2022 derailed what might have been an even more impressive career, but few people dispute that Thomas is one of the top ten all time hitters in the history of the BBA. This season, Thomas was having a solid season for Vancouver, posting a .280 average and 9 homers in one of the toughest hitting environments in the league in Vancouver.

"To be batting third as the regular DH for this franchise again - well, it's something," said Thomas. "It's not in Charlotte and it's none of the guys I recognize except in the front office, where I'm happy to see them again. I know I'll be working for the Pikemen after I retire and it's going to be an easier transition now that I've gotten to live in Rockville for a while."

Can Thomas lead the team to a wild card berth? Rockville stand just 1.5 games behind Havana for the wild card, closer than any other team not currently in a playoff spot, so it could certainly happen.

[usnspecialist]

The playoff race should be interesting, because in the next 6 weeks i only have 4 games with teams over .500 (LBC) so i have a chance to put some distance if i can take care of business.

[felipe]

Yes...but perhaps those teams are only under .500 because they have yet to play you...

[RonCo]

We need more Stu.