http://chicagosports.chicagotribune....ck=1&cset=true
http://www.startribune.com/stories/509/5760096.htmlWhite Sox fans still may see Frank Thomas at U.S. Cellular Field in 2006.
But they might watch him only nine times—wearing a Twins uniform.
The Twins, who won the American League Central three consecutive years before the Sox dethroned them in 2005, are monitoring Thomas closely, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
After finishing third in the division, the Twins are examining Thomas as well as fellow free-agent slugger Mike Piazza in an effort to bolster an offense that finished 13th in the league with a .259 batting average and was 12th in home runs and last in runs scored.
Exactly how much cash the Twins have left to spend on a third baseman and/or a designated hitter is not known. Twins President Dave St. Peter said late in the season that Ryan would have flexibility to improve the roster.
That flexibility would increase if the Twins trade lefthander J.C. Romero, who will make $2.2 million next season, and righthander Kyle Lohse, who is arbitration eligible and will earn at least $4 million next season. Both pitchers are believed to have been offered to Texas for third baseman Hank Blalock, but the Rangers want lefthander Francisco Liriano, who won't be dealt.