Chicago’s Thomas to test free agency

Chicago Frank Thomas will test the free agency market after spending his entire career with the Chicago White Sox.

The two-time AL MVP told the White Sox he will exercise his right to become a conditional free agent Monday. This comes three weeks after the White Sox invoked a contract clause that allows them to defer most of his $10 million salary.

Thomas now has until Dec. 7 to sign with another club or return to the White Sox. Chicago general manager Kenny Williams and Thomas’ agent, Arn Tellem, said they will continue negotiations.

Thomas signed a contract in 1997 that was to pay him $9.9 million in each of the next four seasons, including $3.8 million deferred with interest. But because he didn’t make the All-Star team and isn’t going to finish among the top 10 in MVP voting or win a Silver Slugger this season, the White Sox invoked what’s called the “diminished skills” clause and can cut his salary.

Chicago can pay him as little as $250,000 plus $10.1 million deferred over 10 years without interest.

“We have had some very positive conversations over the past two weeks,” said Tellem.

“The White Sox have expressed their interest in retaining Frank, and we will continue to hold discussions with the Sox even while we are evaluating other options for Frank.”

Cardinals’ catcher has surgery on shoulder

St. Louis St. Louis Cardinals catcher Mike Matheny had arthroscopic surgery to remove debris from his right shoulder Monday.

The surgery was performed by team physician George Paletta, and the Cardinals said Matheny was expected to fully recover by the start of spring training.

Man stabbed at tailgate, police investigators say

Anaheim, Calif. Police believe a man who was found dead near Edison International Field was stabbed at a tailgate party in the stadium’s parking lot after Game 7 of the World Series.

Investigators followed a trail of blood leading from the south parking lot of the stadium to 27-year-old Leopoldo Bastida, who walked nearly two blocks before collapsing Sunday night, Anaheim police Sgt. Mike Hidalgo said.

“A fight apparently broke out in the parking lot and that’s where he was stabbed,” he said.

Bastida, from Garden Grove, apparently fled the parking lot after the fight.

“We believe he was on his way to where his car was parked when he collapsed,” Hidalgo said. “It’s unclear if the altercation was related to the game.”

All-California Series sets TV futility record

Anaheim, Calif. The all-California Classic drew the lowest TV ratings in World Series history.

The Anaheim Angels’ seven-game victory against the San Francisco Giants averaged an 11.9 rating and 20 share, Nielsen Media Research said Monday.

That rating is 24 percent below Arizona’s seven-game win against the New York Yankees last year, which scored a 15.7, and 4 percent below the previous low, the Yankees’ five-game win against the Mets in the 2000 Subway Series (12.4).

Oakland to name Macha skipper today

Oakland, Calif. The Oakland Athletics didn’t look far to replace Art Howe just one seat down the bench.

Ken Macha will be introduced as the A’s new manager today, his agent said.

Macha was Howe’s bench coach for the past four seasons as Oakland made three straight trips to the playoffs. The loquacious former big league catcher and infielder was a top candidate for several managerial vacancies this fall.