Thome Could Add Bench Depth

Posted by John on January 23, 2010 under John | 3 Comments to Read

So the rumors are true, the Twins are having conversations with free agent slugger and long time Twins-killer, Jim Thome. The 39-year old Thome is looking to find at bats his options appear to be down to the White Sox or Twins. Joe C. from the Star Tribune has a great piece covering the topic.

Besides just the sticker shock of the star slugger’s name and his 564 career homeruns, I actually really like the move for the Twins. It would be the perfect addition if Thome was a righthanded bat, but his addition would bring pop to the bench as well as give Ron Gardenhire to play Jason Kubel in left or rightfield and DH Thome. This move could push Delmon Young into working hard and also give the Twins a go to pinch hitter in clutch situations if a guy like Nick Punto steps up with two men on base.

There are a few other points made in this story that are worth nothing:

• No one has hit more homeruns, 57, against the Twins than Thome.
• The Opening Day payroll will be above $90 million which is up considerably from last year’s $65 million. If the Twins do find a way to lockup Joe Mauer to a long-term deal fans certainly can’t call this current Twins team cheap.
• For the first from what I’ve seen, Joe C. mentions the Twins have had internal discussions about infield free agents Orlando Hudson, Felipe Lopez, and Miguel Tejada. Rightfully so, the Twins are waiting for prices to drop and the club could still fill a few holes before spring training at affordable prices. Patience is a virtue!

In another interesting note, St. Paul native, Joe Mauer, will be filming an episode of ESPN’s Homecoming this Wednesday, January 27 at his high school alma mater, Cretin-Derham Hall.

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