Wither Jim Thome?

[soxfan121]

As the biggest impact player CLEARLY on the market, where SHOULD Thome finish the season and where WILL he finish the season?

As it looks like CLE is in rebuilding mode, does it make sense for Jim Thome to waive his no-trade to go to a contender, sign a 1-year extension, and then return home to CLE in 2004 to finish his career?

[JamesI]

I think he'll be traded within a few weeks. Either to Boston or San Fransisco. Imagine Bonds followed by Thome.

[KCBOOMER]

I don't know what Boston has to give up but that's the team that could use him the most.

[SmedIndy]

I don't think Thome goes this year. But I could be wrong.

[calexpat]

I don't know what the Giants have to give up either (don't say Jeff Kent, that wouldn't do either team any good.) I doubt the Indians would take Ainsworth straight up, but the Giants can't trade away every conceivable prospect they may have. I'm also not sure if SF can take on the salary.

If I'm Dusty Baker, I'm playing Damon Minor every day so I know by August 1 whether I need a first base bat.

[poorme]

What if you traded away some youngsters for a veteran to get you over the top and then there's a strike that wipes out the playoffs? ouch.

[Rajah]

Thome will probably end up in Atlanta if he moves. Or minnesota, but I don't know if they take on his contract. I don't think any of the other contenders that could use his bat have enough prospects to deal. I figure Cuddyer and maybe someone else (minty? - cleveland will need a 1b stopgap) from Minnesota, or Betemit and Giles or Kelly Johnson or a pitcher from atlanta.

The red sox upper minor league levels are basically toast thanks to duquette, and I haven't heard about a good prospect in the giants organization in a very long time. LA is more likely to pursue Vizquel, Seattle doesn't need him, Anaheim, well, see SF, Montreal sold the farm system off, the Cardinals could use the upgrade, but I don't see it happening, I don't think the Reds will give up Dunn if they wouldn't give him up for Colon, The DBacks don't need him.

Atlanta or Minnesota IF he moves.

[Max Power]

Heard this AM on ESPN that the Tribe GM, when asked if Thome was next, said he's not going anywhere - he has a no trade clause.

So, if true, think about it if you're Thome - - - allow a trade and uproot your family for three months, only to have them move again when you go Free Agent at year end - - or, just chill in C-town and keep collecting checks until you go FA?

Personally, if he has a no-trade, I think he only moves (meaning gives his OK) if they give him a ton of money to move for 3 months, or, if the team taking him offers him a 5 year deal to stay there for good.

And, if that's the case, why trade for him - - just wait until next year, sign him, and keep your prospects - - - unless you really feel that 3 months of Thome will win you a ring and you have the prospects and money to burn..................

[poorme]

Max - I like your logic. If I'm Thome, I'm not going anywhere this year -- there's not much upside in leaving.

[thomasstearns]

Jayson Stark said Thome would waive the clause for Grady Little. Or that Thome's friends said that he had said that. In any case, I doubt Thome will be so happy to be in Cleveland when all these young-uns start playing and Cleveland starts to lose every single day. That ain't very fun for a veteran, I wouldn't think.

His family will think of it as a summer vacation to Cape Cod.

In any case, my money is on Boston (tho I don't know who they could give up to get him--if only they still had izzy alcantara). Too bad for Anaheim, Seattle, or Oakland...

[Fuzzy Bear]

Thome would be more valuble if he were still a third baseman.

I wonder if he could still play third? He wasn't the Dick Stuart of the hot corner when he was there, was he? He has bulked up some since his rookie days, so that may or may not be feasible.

I'll post a poll on this. If he could play third, that widens his possiblilties.

[CubFan7125]

Originally posted by Rajah
Thome will probably end up in Atlanta if he moves. Or minnesota, but I don't know if they take on his contract.

I'm not sure where the Twins would play Thome, Doug M. is a very good glove at 1st & is a big part of the chemistry of the Twins. I do think chemistry is a very overused term in sports but I also believe it applies to this team. So Doug is set at 1st & I don't think Thome is ready to DH 130 or so times a year. It just doesn't seem like a good fit.
If the Twins do trade one of the "Triple AAA Mikes" I would rather see them get a starter since Milton is having an off year and Radke has been hurt. All that said however, C. Montgomery Pohlad is not going to let Terry Ryan add payroll.
I think Thome will eventually end up with the Braves. AOL/Time-Warner recently named a new President or CEO or something like that who is from the TV side of things. The last couple were big bosses were internet types. And why is this important? Because a TV exec knows that the Braves are only good programming if they are winning & adding Thome & a little more payroll will help them continue to win divisions & allow TBS to keep getting top $$$ for Braves commercials.

[VNV Nation]

Why is Jim Tome withering?

[CubFan7125]

Originally posted by VNV Nation
Why is Jim Tome withering?

Because he is a quality player who thought he was going to be with a quality team until said team traded/gave away all the talent leaving him stuck with teammates like Milton Bradley(he has no game) & John McDonald instead of Robby Alomar & Bart Colon.

[calexpat]

"I don't care whether the weather is better there, I will go whither I go, I will not stay here and wither on the vine, ."--Jim Thome