By Mark Gonzales
Jim Thome's return to U.S. Cellular Field will occur April 9, as the former White Sox slugger has agreed to a one-year contract with American League Central rival Minnesota.
Thome agreed to a deal that could earn him slightly more than $2 million in base pay and incentives, according to a source. He would fortify the Twins' bench as well as form one of the toughest left-handed hitting lineups that already includes 2009 AL most valuable player Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau and Jason Kubel.
Jim Thome's return to U.S. Cellular Field will occur April 9, as the former White Sox slugger has agreed to a one-year contract with American League Central rival Minnesota.
Thome agreed to a deal that could earn him slightly more than $2 million in base pay and incentives, according to a source. He would fortify the Twins' bench as well as form one of the toughest left-handed hitting lineups that already includes 2009 AL most valuable player Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau and Jason Kubel.
The agreement occurred two days after Sox manager Ozzie Guillen told Thome, 39, he didn't fit in the team's plans because he couldn't be guaranteed enough at-bats. Thome hit 134 home runs from 2006-09 with the Sox before being dealt Aug. 31 to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Thome needs 36 home runs to reach his personal goal of 600.
Thome needs 36 home runs to reach his personal goal of 600.
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The Twins don't have a 2nd or 3rd baseman and they were 38-43 on the road last year. I sure they will be competive but without the twinkie dome they won't be the same team.
twins will be bad in their new park this year.
I bet money jim hits 25 HR's or less this year. This guy is a future HOF, but he makes or breaks you when men are on bases. Pop up or HR? That is the question.
The sox biggest concern shouldn't be an aging Him Thome, they need to get Alex Rios to perform.
Short porch in right field in the new park. 600 homers here he comes!!!!!! Best of luck, Jim.
Ozzie never intended to resign Thome. He was just trying to help him get a better deal by pretending to be interested. Good Luck to Jimmy T!
Now that's a lineup the Twins will put on the field. They also have Sox-killers Cuddyer and Spann. We got spit to send up to the plate.
Can we get rid of Ozzie once the Twins win the division yet again? Maybe Ozzie wants to go there too, since he loves his piranhas so much.
I am much more disgusted than usual this spring.