By Mark GonzalesJim Thome participated Wednesday night in the White Sox's ''Bring Me Home'' campaign that raised money to benefit foster families in Illinois.
As far as Thome is concerned, he wouldn't rule out a return to the Sox's family.
''My door is open,'' said Thome, a free agent who spent nearly four full seasons with the Sox before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Aug. 31. ''Just call me.''
Thome said he understands the business side of baseball while praising the entire Sox's organization.
''I want to play baseball,'' Thome said. ''Right now we're talking to a few teams, and we'll see what happens. It's been a slow winter in the market.''
Sox first baseman Paul Konerko, who started the campaign with Thome and their wives, doesn't believe the door has closed on a return by Jermaine Dye and Thome.
''There is still an outside chance on both of them, certainly Jim,'' Konerko said. ''I wouldn't shut the door on that yet. And even if it was for this year, I wouldn't shut the door on it for the future. We'll see. I like the way the team is shaping up otherwise.
'' ... I know they're going to be playing somewhere. When I show up to spring training and they're not there, I'll worry about that.''
Konerko said he was ''always'' lobbying on Jim's behalf, stating that Thome and Dye can remain productive players.
''They'll be fine, no matter what.''
In other Sox news, John Danks said a follow-up examination on his left index finger was fine.
''I'm going to live,'' Danks quipped in a text message.
Photo: Jim Thome salutes the White Sox fans in 2008. (Jamie Squire / Getty Images)
''There is still an outside chance on both of them, certainly Jim,'' Konerko said. ''I wouldn't shut the door on that yet. And even if it was for this year, I wouldn't shut the door on it for the future. We'll see. I like the way the team is shaping up otherwise.
'' ... I know they're going to be playing somewhere. When I show up to spring training and they're not there, I'll worry about that.''
Konerko said he was ''always'' lobbying on Jim's behalf, stating that Thome and Dye can remain productive players.
''They'll be fine, no matter what.''
In other Sox news, John Danks said a follow-up examination on his left index finger was fine.
''I'm going to live,'' Danks quipped in a text message.
Photo: Jim Thome salutes the White Sox fans in 2008. (Jamie Squire / Getty Images)
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"The last three years Thome has hit .246 with an OBP of .366 with 26 HRs and 78 RBI's."
Uh, I'm not advocating bringing Jimmy back, but where did you get those numbers from? I think you meant "last season" because Thome was solid in 2007.
"Not to mention that he clogs up the bases and hit TERRIBLY in clutch situations"
Yeah, that game winning HR against the Twins in the 2008 AL Central play in game was SO not clutch.
30 HR's 90-100 RBI's, 380 .obp, and left handed. As long as he doesn't wants more than $4 million what is there to think about? The Andruw Jones/Kotsay platoon won't put those numbers up.
Please dont being back Thome.. He will clog the bases with his one base at a time running.. and Hes getting up there and isnt that valuable anymore.
Thome posted an .864 OPS last year in 400+ PA's. He's LH. He'd probably cost around $5M. What else is there to think about Kenny?
ok, i guess a revolving dh is a great idea. kotsay, jones, nix, wow.
i think they should bring him back. hes got to quit striking out so much though.
The Chisox should just have the great batting geru, Mr Walker, hand big Jim a whiffle bat, take 5 practice swings, and pronounce big Jim, not only 'ready' - but able to catch Hammerin Hank.
Walk sure is a 'quick study', no wonder he is held is such high esteem.
Seriously?
We are talking about a team with a huge gaping hole at DH, and a guy begging to come in and fill it for cheap. What's the holdup Kenny? 39 or not, Thome can put up a .850+ OPS in his sleep, and did so last year. This is more then could be expected from Kotsay, A.Jones, Nix etc.
I think the people on here talking about how Thome should hang it up are crazy. If he wants to play next year, there should be a role on most teams in baseball. Jim is not in his prime, for sure, but he's still VERY productive. Quit being stupid with this DH by committee crap and bring by Jimmy, Kenny!
Bring back Minnie!
Jimmy, great guy and hope he gets on with some team. Not Sox, 3 K's a game too often and even the golden sombero. cannot get in scoring position and when does, even from 3rd hard to get him in on a SF. Clog's the bases. Down to one clogger Paulie, (another great guy) but Sox would be better team to trade him , if find a taker.
good saying.
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