As has been reported by several sources, the Athletics were close to signing veteran slugger Frank Thomas after having been released by the Toronto Blue Jays. The latest news on the situation from Tim Brown of Yahoo! Sports states that a mystery team, thought to be the Rangers or the Mariners, have swooped in at the last minute in an effort to acquire the Big Hurt.

Stay Tuned!

(ED. NOTE: The above link originally listed the Mariners and Rangers by name, but has since been modified for whatever reason.)

UPDATE: 10:46 pm PST (by Jon): Rumor machine and Mariners insider Jason A. Churchill had this to say over at his site:  “The Mariners ARE the ‘mystery team’ and made a second offer either last night or today.  But it still seems like Oakland is the choice.”

Makes sense.  Thomas would be a huge upgrade, even if he is way past him prime years.  Maybe we’ll know something in the morning.