Thomas’ Future Uncertain

The Chicago White Sox will not address Frank Thomas’ future until after the season.

Thomas, whose strong play in September has helped bring up his numbers after a disappointing season, could become a free agent if the team invokes a diminished skills clause in his contract.

That clause would reduce his base pay to $250,000 and defer most of his $10-million salary. His current deal runs through 2006.

“Frank has expressed to us, and he expressed it some time ago, that it would be an internal matter handled privately between all the concerned parties,” General Manager Kenny Williams said Thursday.

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Arizona Diamondback left fielder Luis Gonzalez will have surgery Monday to repair his separated left shoulder and vows he will be ready to play by the start of spring training.

“This is not a career-ending injury,” he said. “I will be back.”