Something struck me about the Frank Thomas release tonight. It's obvious that this is a pretty big topic, and I don't know if that is more because there are a lack of big moves this early in the season, or if it is because this is such a surprise move. While the lack of moves has to be a factor, I would have to think the big fuss over this move is due to the surprise that comes from this type of move.

Rarely do you see a high priced star being released in baseball, especially this early in the season. Toronto owed Thomas $12.5 million this season, and unlike the NFL, they have to pay Thomas the full amount despite the release. Following this release, several sites I checked speculated on whether other teams would follow suit. Nearly every team in the majors has a bad contract that they would like to get rid of. The release of Frank Thomas just brings to light a major problem in baseball.

It is bad enough that baseball is catered to the large market teams. Allowing guaranteed contracts only hurts the small market teams. While the Yankees can shell out money to Carl Pavano for next to nothing in return, teams like the Marlins and Pirates are forced to be cautious, rarely spending the big money on any player. If they happen to sign a Carl Pavano, the franchise would be set back years, as opposed to the Yankees, who would just send Pavano down to AAA and shell out more money for another pitcher.

Let's just pretend that baseball pulled an NBA move and allowed each team to rid themselves of their worst contract. Here is what the list would look like if I were making the cuts for these teams:

Angels: Gary Matthews Jr. He will make $42 M over the next four seasons, and you have to think that Reggie Willits will be a better hitter at this point in their careers.

Astros: Jose Valverde. Ok, so maybe this is an early reaction to his poor start, but I think his struggles are legit. He's in arbitration, but if the Astros want to keep him it will cost around $5 million per year at least.

Athletics: Eric Chavez. He is guaranteed $34 M over the next three seasons, with a $3 M option year buyout for the fourth season.

Blue Jays: Frank Thomas. It would be nice to get rid of the contract too.

Braves: Mike Hampton. Due $15 M this year and will probably spend most of that while on the DL.

Brewers: Jeff Suppan. Maybe it's just me, but the idea of spending $33 M over the next three years on an aging pitcher at the end of his career with a lifetime 4.60 ERA doesn't sound good.

Cardinals: Juan Encarnacion. They're paying $6.5 M this year and his career is over. They'll probably get insurance for this, but personally I'd rather avoid the hassle and paperwork.

Cubs: Ted Lilly. He is owed $31 M over the next three years, and last year's performance was a far cry from his career 4.52 ERA. People seem to be high on Lilly. I'm not.

Diamondbacks: Chad Tracy. Under contract for the next two seasons, with a $1 M buyout in 2010. He is owed $8.5 M over the next two years, but is injured and doesn't really have a place to play.

Dodgers: Juan Pierre. Although Andruw Jones is looking like a mistake, Pierre is owed $36.5 M over the next four years, and isn't even starting for the Dodgers.

Giants: Barry Zito. $109 M over the next six seasons with a $7 M buyout in 2014. And you wonder why the Giants roster resembles the Indians in Major League.

Indians: Joe Borowski. The Indians don't really have any bad contracts. Even Borowski, who I am not a fan of, is only signed through this year, and only making $4 M.

Mariners: Ichiro Suzuki. Maybe not now, but he is owed $17 M a year for the next five years. By the end of the contract he'll be the second coming of Jason Kendall. $17 M for a 39 year old singles hitter? No thanks.

Marlins: The Cotton Candy vendor. He's making $6.50 an hour. Way out of the Marlins price range. It's time to force this guy out the door.

Mets: Carlos Delgado. Guaranteed $20 M left on his contract. Another Frank Thomas situation.

Nationals: Nick Johnson. Owed $11 M over the next two years, but Dmitri Young seems to be the guy at first base now.

Orioles: Melvin Mora. Owed about $17 M over the next two years with a no trade claus, although I doubt anyone would take him. Maybe they can try to get credit for Albert Belle.

Padres: Jim Edmonds. Owed $8 M this year. Another Frank Thomas situation.

Phillies: Adam Eaton. See: Lilly, Ted. I just think you can find better pitchers for $16 M over two years.

Pirates: Matt Morris. Unknown why he was ever brought on the team. Owed $9.5 M this year, plus a $1 M buyout next year. It will be interesting to see if his ERA tops his salary.

Rangers: Michael Young. He has 25 homers in over 1300 at bats the last two years. Is that worth $16 M a year from 2009 to 2013?

Rays: Rocco Baldelli. Guaranteed $6.25 million. Also guaranteed a spot on the DL most of the contract.

Reds: Bronson Arroyo. Guaranteed $26 M over the next three years. See: Lilly, Ted and Eaton, Adam.

Red Sox: JD Drew. I fail to believe that a decent month by Drew will justify $14 M per year for the next four years, especially with Jacoby Ellsbury heating up.

Rockies: Todd Helton. Guaranteed $73.5 M over the next five seasons and is in the decline of his career.

Royals: Jose Guillen. Talk about a bad signing. He is making $12 M a year for the next three years. They could have gotten Barry Bonds for that. Or Frank Thomas.

Tigers: Gary Sheffield. He may still have some talent left, but he is owed $28 M over the next two years and the Tigers are loaded with talent, meaning he is a luxury.

Twins: Michael Cuddyer. He just signed an extension for three years and $24 M. I think his 24 homer, .284 season in 2006 was an abberation.

White Sox: Jose Contreras. He is owed $10 M a year for the next two seasons.

Yankees: Jason Giambi. Guaranteed $26 M. Pavano is only guaranteed around $13 M at this point, but isn't clogging up the lineup with his .109 average.