Thomas: Belle’s Money No Big Deal

Frank Thomas acknowledges there will be friendly competition with Albert Belle, but promises no monetary jealousy over his new teammate’s staggering salary.

“I enjoy this game. I play it for fun but, of course, I play for a check, also. I wouldn’t be stupid enough to say that. But enough is enough sometimes,” Thomas said Sunday when he arrived in Sarasota, Fla., for his first spring training workout with the Chicago White Sox.

“I’ve made a lot of money, and I’m not worried what Albert is making. He was a top-notch free agent and deserved every penny. I’m not going to tell you that ‘Oh well, I got to get close to that.’ I’m not worried about that.”

Belle signed a $55-million, five-year contract in November and had the highest average salary until Barry Bonds and San Francisco agreed to a two-year extension with an $11.45 million average in 1999 and 2000.

Thomas signed a five-year extension in October 1993, a deal that guaranteed him $29 million from 1995-98. Chicago has options at $7.15 million in 1999 and $7.25 million in 2000.