Frank Thomas said he is more disappointed than angry at this point.
The White Sox slugging first baseman/designated hitter was omitted from the American League All-Star team that was announced Sunday.
“It’s disappointing, but I’m used to it. It has happened to me four times already, so it’s nothing new,” said Thomas, who is hitting .283 with 20 homers and 48 RBIs. “I don’t know what it is, to be honest. But my numbers this year were not as good as they were in 2000.
“In 2000 I had 24 home runs and 76 RBIs and didn’t make it. And I was hitting like .320. It’s just one of those things where I wanted to be there because it’s in Chicago this year.”
The White Sox did land pitcher Esteban Loaiza and recently acquired outfielder Carl Everett on the squad for the July 15 game at U.S. Cellular Field.
“I really didn’t know how to react. I didn’t think that–because of my June that I had–that I was honorable. But I am thankful,” said Everett, who slumped after a torrid start with the Texas Rangers. The switch-hitting veteran is now hitting .272 with 18 homers.
“It’s nice to pick up a guy who is an All-Star,” said Sox manager Jerry Manuel.
“Guys are asking me what I am going to wear [in the All-Star Game],” said Everett. “I’m going to wear a White Sox uniform. It’s going to be fun.”
Loaiza is 11-4 with a 2.28 earned-run average.
“I’ve always worked hard in spring training through now, and now that I’m going to the All-Star Game, I’m really happy, and I guess it all paid off,” Loaiza said. “I just have to concentrate on my next outing right now, and then go to the game.
“It means a lot for me, it means a lot for this organization, and it means a lot for my family. Especially . . . the way I came into spring training as a non-roster invitee. . . . I just don’t know what else to say. I’m just in shock.
“During the game I was telling somebody, `I don’t believe it, I don’t believe it.’ Dreams can come true.”
Mark Buehrle, who won Sunday’s game over Tampa Bay to improve to 7-10, was an All-Star last season. Sunday he saluted Loaiza.
“The guy comes here after getting released in Toronto, not even guaranteed to make the team, a non-roster invitee,” Buehrle said. “And now he makes the All-Star Game with a good chance to start. I’m thrilled for him.”
Thomas, who gets a $100,000 bonus if he’s selected, still has a shot to make the All-Star squad in the on-line voting for the 26th man or as an injury replacement.
“Something always happens at the end and I would encourage him, like I always have been, to keep pushing and swinging the bat well,” Manuel said.
“I told him if this club can get on a streak and find our way on top at the break and he’s the main reason for it, it would be very difficult to deny him a chance to play in his home park.”
