Phillies Trade Thome
The day has finally come: sources from ESPN and the Inquirer report that the Phillies have traded Jim Thome! He’s going to his home state of Illinois and, barring the failure of a physical on Thursday, will be playing next year for the Chicago White Sox. Let’s just hope all those rumors that he’s in "the best shape of his life" are true. In return, the Phils will receive centerfielder Aaron Rowand who had a career year in 2004 hitting .310 with 38 doubles, 24 homers and 69 RBI. The Phils will also receive two prospects, who will be named later, plus relief on half of Thome’s remaining contract.
This is great news, as I’ve said the Phils need an everyday centerfielder with speed and I wasn’t convinced Shane Victorino would be that guy. Plus it’s another right handed bat in the lineup to complement all those lefties.
Monetarily the Phils are net gainers and will have more money to sign a starter. This might edge Wagner a little closer south to Philadelphia. Oh yea and of course, this gives the NL rookie of the year Ryan Howard a guaranteed spot at first and more importantly in the lineup.
According to the Inky the next name on Gillick’s list could be the Cardinal’s free agent third baseman Abraham Nunez. It appears "Standing Pat" is not afraid to come in and clean house. That’s just what the doctor ordered. Go Phils!
