Comments on: Jim Thome to Return

By: Bob Liptak

Bob Liptak — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 23:56:28 +0000

I stand corrected, Thome was hurt in 2005. Only 59 games played. But here are his numbers from the last 4 years:
2007 .275 35 HR 96 RBI 130 GP
2008 .245 34HR 90 RBI 149 GP
2009 .249 23 HR 77 RBI 124 GP
2010 .283 25 HR 59 RBI 108 GP

2011 .238 13 HR 41 RBI

Just last year Thom hit 25 HRs, many of which I recall came as pinch hit HRs. However, 25 HRs. He has only played 74 games this season. He has proven he can not play 6 games a week anymore, but he can still create a presence in the middle of the line up 16 to 20 ABs per week.

By: Bob Liptak

Bob Liptak — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 00:41:14 +0000

Stephanie, a month ago when the Tribe made the Ubaldo deal, I commented on a post regarding his first start against Texas. In it, I made mention to the fact that the Tribe needed to acquire some veteran leadership at season’s end or before the trade deadline. One of the names mentioned: Jim Thome. Even though he is past his prime, I still fully believe this guy can get 300 ABs minimum next year. Sure, he is old and takes a spot on the 40 man roster which could be occupied by one of our prospects in the minors, but at the same time he provides that presence in the Clubhouse that we have not really had since his departure. He is cheap, in relatively good health (he has never really had major injuries or stints on the DL)… why not try and resign him for next year? Sure, he will be a 41 year old DH, but given enough ABs, Thome can still do damage. If he has an opportunity to play 4 games a week, that gives him around 100 games played, with around 350 to 400 ABs. He can probably muster 18-24 HRs, 60-70 RBIs. His average does not concern me, but this is a proven power hitter who still can rake, if given enough playing time. If the Indians are truly trying to compete NOW, then he is a must sign. Unless of course the Cubs do not resign Aramis Ramirez .

By: Jerry

Jerry — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 23:49:52 +0000

Welcome home…..your Indians stink and will finish 15 out.

By: SeattleStu

SeattleStu — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 02:46:41 +0000

again, the union excuse is a weak one…..if thome is such a stellar individual why didnt he rise above it?…again no quibble with his choice, but let’s not make him out to be the second coming…..btw, 0-4 tonight with nothing hit hard…paging Junior….

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:52:29 +0000

Sorry, I posted wrong link in previous message.

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/mlb/story/_/id/6889644/jered-weaver-bucks-scott-boras-advice-new-los-angeles-angels-deal

Also, Ryan Braun is another case of player showing team loyalty.

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:46:27 +0000

I guess the player’s union never got that message to Jered Weaver.

http://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2011/08/23/Angels-sign-Weaver-to-5-year-extension/UPI-63651314145107/

He left on his own – plain and simple. I think we definitely could have used Thome during the ’05 and ’07 seasons.

By: John Z

John Z — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:18:11 +0000

Regarding Thome leaving as a free egent I have strong feelings that I think are much different than most Clevelanders.

First, the contract that Philadelphia was offering was a bad deal for the Indians to ever try to match, and even the Indians deal was not a smart long-term contract from the standpoint of putting a competitive team on the field, year-in and year-out. Given the constraints of income in Cleveland, the end of the deal portended paying way too big of a percentage of overall payroll to an older, and possibly injury-plagued DH. Thome not taking the contract offer of the Indians was a good thing for the Indians.

Second, while I’ve never seen a solid source for this rumor, I have long heard that the players union put a lot of pressure on Thome to sign with Philly and not Cleveland, saying that if he gave the “hometown” discount, he’d depress every other salary. I always wondered how that is not the same thing as collusion, but since I am not an employment/labor law attorney, I guess I don’t have to know.

By: Jim Caporuscio

Jim Caporuscio — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:46:43 +0000

Welcome home! Go Tribe

By: Stephanie Liscio

Stephanie Liscio — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 05:56:12 +0000

Thanks – I’ve never been good at telling my left from my right! I’ll have to fix it in the morning since it’s not letting me edit on my phone.

And that’s a great comparison with Griffey…I always forget his run with Seattle at the end. Hopefully this turns out better! (Although to be fair, if he stays healthy I feel like I’ll be happy at this point!)

By: Jon

Jon — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 05:00:09 +0000

FYI: Thome hits lefty.