Phillies Trade Jim Thome to the Orioles

[gladdyontherise]

Orioles Acquire Jim Thome: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

The Orioles have acquired Jim Thome from the Phillies, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter). The deal will be announce after both teams finish today's games.

--
Not a fan of him being in the AL, but atleast it's not the Central, lol.

[OriolesFan]

I hope he still has that power to hit it out of the park. If he does, he will make a good DH for the "BIRDS".

[cardboardphene]

Thats awesome I hope the future HOF'er Thome is gonna add a little veteran batting presence to the O's

[whitney777]

Great guy!

[bakemeister52]

Great to see him back in the AL and he is so liked by teammates!

[jwgreen68]

I wonder if he plans on playing until he breaks the homerun record?

[ucffans]

He is my favorite current player and the Phillies are my favorite team. Unfortunately, this time around, it was just not the right fit for him. With the interleague portion done, it is the right move for the Phillies and the right move for him to go back to being a DH.

It takes a special person to be a pinch hitter and get 1 at bat a game and that is just something the big fella doesn't do very well.

[wheeler281]

Great write up by Dan Connolly

Thome doesn't have a high salary -- roughly half of the $1.25 million contract he signed this year is still on the books.


He can still hit right-handers and is a professional hitter, and the Orioles desperately need another one, especially with Nolan Reimold (neck surgery) likely lost for the season and Nick Markakis (wrist) currently on the DL.

Thome will be the primary DH, which is also needed since the Orioles' designated hitters are in the bottom half of most major offensive categories.

Then look at the other factors: He is universally considered one of the top character guys in the game. He has postseason experience. At 41, he has embraced the veteran leader role. And he'll be chasing some milestones; his next homer will help him pass Sammy Sosa for seventh all-time at 610.

There isn’t really much downside in acquiring Thome. If he can’t hit, he didn’t financially cost much, so cutting ties is painless. If he does hit and the Orioles still plummet in the standings, then they move him to another AL contender later this season for a low-level prospect.

There are only two real concerns: He has back trouble, and it’s unknown how much wear and tear he can handle if he’s playing a lot.

Some thoughts about the Jim Thome trade - baltimoresun.com

[Dave Crum]

Great write up by Dan Connolly

There are only two real concerns: He has back trouble, and it’s unknown how much wear and tear he can handle if he’s playing a lot.

Some thoughts about the Jim Thome trade - baltimoresun.com

He wont be playing any. Just batting. I am really happy to see him back in the A.L. to get those at bats. Just glad it wasnt the central (unless back to Cleveland).

Jim could play another 3 or 4 years and it wouldnt hurt my feelings. Just more cards for me to chase!!

Character is second to none with Jim. Great teammate and great guy!!