Phillies Sign Thome

Todd Zolecki of MLB.com is reporting that the Philadelphia Phillies have signed first baseman Jim Thome to a contract. The contract is a one-year deal and while no one knows the monetary value it’s being considered as a low-risk deal.

Jim Thome signified a rebirth of baseball in Philadelphia with his arrival in 2003.

He’s coming back for possibly his final shot at a World Series championship.

Sources said Friday evening that the Phillies and Thome have agreed on a one-year contract, pending Thome passing a physical. Terms of the deal were unknown, although it seems likely to be a low-risk signing. (MLB.com)

This is something that I thought could happen but wasn’t too sure if it would actually happen. Thome, formerly of Philadelpphia, has always wanted to come back and the fan base has felt the same. The problem with Thome though is he hadn’t played defense since 2007.

Zolecki pointed out past pinch-hitters that the Phillies have had that never saw the field, so Thome could just be taking those guys roles. With Ryan Howard on the shelf to start the season you have to wonder if they’ll ask him to play the field.

I think they will and while he may not be able to make the great saves of an everyday first baseman he should be serviceable. Remember Jorge Posada stepped in to the position for the New York Yankees once in a while and he’s one of the least mobile players in the game.

Nice to see the Phillies bring a fan favorite back while greatly improving their bench. Even at the age of 41 he’s an upgrade over the likes of Ross Gload, Mike Sweeney and Matt Stairs.

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Tags: Jim Thome, MLB, Philadelphia Phillies