Athletics decline to offer arbitration to Big Hurt

OAKLAND, Calif. -- The Oakland Athletics declined to offer salary arbitration to their four free agents Monday, including slugger Frank Thomas.

The others are relievers Alan Embree and Keith Foulke, and outfielder Emil Brown.

Thomas joined the A's on April 24 after being released by Toronto, but the Big Hurt missed much of the season. The 40-year-old designated hitter spent two stints on the disabled list and played only 55 games, batting .263 with five homers and 19 RBI. He has said he hopes to play up to two more seasons before retiring.