Out-of-shape Thomas won't start in Jays' first week of exhibition

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Frank Thomas won't start during Toronto's first week of exhibition games because his legs aren't in shape.

"I've just got to get my legs under me because I didn't do any running during the offseason," Thomas said Thursday.

Thomas said the earliest he would start is March 9. He missed most of the 2004 and 2005 seasons with the Chicago White Sox because of injuries, then hit .270 with 39 homers and 114 RBI for Oakland last year.

"It's going to take around two weeks to really get going," Thomas said. "I want to make sure I don't go out there and tweak or pull something."

The 38-year-old signed an $18.12 million, two-year contract with the Blue Jays.