Seattle Mariners target Frank Thomas officially signed with the rival Oakland A’s today for just $337,000.  Seattle reportedly made a last second effort to get Thomas, but obviously to no avail.

For that price, Thomas is a steal for Oakland.  It’s the ultimate low-risk/high-reward situation and Seattle GM Bill Bavasi should have been much more aggressive.   Seattle really needs to upgrade at least one of two struggling offensive holes in their lineup in order to contend, but will now have to look to the minors or trade.   Hopefully Bavasi can pull some strings in the near future.

This acquisition tightens up the AL West slightly, but I’m not convinced that this legitimizes the A’s.