Jerry Coleman: Thome Talks About Coming To O's
Veteran designated hitter Jim Thome was acquired by the Orioles from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for two minor league players: right handed pitcher Kyle Simon and catcher Cabriel Lino. Thome's bat adds some much needed pop to a lineup that is suffering from a combination of poor run production and injuries to Nolan Reimold (neck surgery) and Nick Markakis (wrist). Thome is a proven slugger, who ranks seventh all-time on the home runs list with 609.
The five-time All-star may be just the guy that the O's need on a club whose offense has been stagnant. Thome also brings something that most Orioles do not have, postseason experience and a track record although his age could be a factor.
Thome learned from veteran players such as Eddie Murray and Dave Winfield - when they were at the end of their Hall-of -fame careers. He said "not only can you contribute the days you play but also the days you don't play, watching the game, watching pitchers and just talking baseball". At the time of this deal, the Orioles are in 2nd place in AL East and tied for the Wild Card with the Angels.
Getting Thome on the Orioles was a solid move, and they did not give up much. As for his reaction to getting the news?
