Oakland, CA (Sportsbooks) - The Oakland Athletics declined to offer salary arbitration to any of their four free agents, including designated hitter Frank Thomas. Left-handed pitcher Alan Embree, right-handed pitcher Keith Foulke, and outfielder Emil Brown were also not offered arbitration. The A's can continue to negotiate with all four players, but won't receive compensation if any of the free agents signs with another team. The 40-year-old Thomas was signed as a free agent on April 24 after his release by Toronto and hit .263 with five home runs and 19 RBI in 55 games with Oakland. He also had two stints on the DL and missed a total of 81 games while earning $12.56 million. Embree led the A's with 70 games pitched last year and was 2-5 with a 4.96 ERA, while Foulke was 0-3 with a 4.06 earned-run average and one save in 31 appearances. He had two stints on the disabled list with neck stiffness and right shoulder inflammation -- with his 31 innings thrown representing a career-low. Brown batted .244 with 13 home runs and 59 RBI in 117 games. |
