Unfortunately, his first job post-baseball won’t be with the Indians. Big Jim has taken a position of Special Assistant of White Sox General Manager, Rick Hahn.
“I don’t think I could ask for a better situation than being in Chicago and with the White Sox,” Thome said.
Well, I don’t know about you, but ow.
He has his reasons, obviously, but from a purely romanticized point of view, it would’ve nice to see him working for the franchise that made him one of the most feared power guys of his era.
I guess the statue will have to suffice.
No way should the Tribe erect a statue for a player unless he played his entire career with one organization. This man left for more money in Philly, plain and simple. He was loved here in Cleveland. I realize that I am in the minority here as I was not happy when he came back a couple of years ago. Sorry, I can’t get over it.
You’re absolutely right he is a traitor and I hate him lol
+1 for mark
One thing about free agents that leave for more money… Thome, Manny, CC…
I believe in many instances that this is driven by the players union and their constant effort to drive up salary. While I am not saying that the union forced them to leave, I think that they did push pretty hard.
The problem with Thome’s departure was when he claimed with a straight face that he needed the guaranteed 6th year “for his family.”
I’m sure someone out there remembers the exact details but if I recall the Tribe offered essentially the same contract (per year) as Philly except the Tribe’s was five years while the Phillies was for six.
If you’re pulling down $10mm-$11mm per, barring a raging coke habit- you should be set after just a year or two.
I don’t blame him for taking more jack. But at least say the reason you are accepting the offer is because they are paying you more jack and not some song and dance about family security.