Jim Thome is 37 years old and is entering his 18th season in the MLB. Many fans and critics would believe that someone who has been around as long as Jim Thome, is on the downward slope of their career.
Thome has already made somewhat of a comeback with his career back in 2006. After only appearing in 59 games and hitting only .207 in 2005 with the Phillies, he bounced back in a big way with 42 home runs and a .288 batting average for his new team in Chicago. He was awarded the 2006 American League Comeback Player of the Year.
So how much can Jim Thome possibly have left in the tank?
If spring training is any sort of an indication, it looks as though he has a lot left.
Thome has hit .263 so far this spring, which is a very good number for a power hitter during the beginning of the year. Thome also hit two homeruns for 4 RBI’s yesterday in an exhibition loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.
He has six home runs, 19 RBI’s, 12 walks, and an on base percentage of .394 so far this spring. These are very good numbers for a player who was believed to be heading towards retirement.
The White Sox as a team, however, have struggled in Cactus League play this spring. The Sox have lost or tied 11 out of their last 12 games, and have an overall record of 10-17.
The White Sox aren’t very worried about their poor record in spring training, because it is mostly a time to just improve and get ready for the upcoming season.
The positive for the White Sox this spring has been the evolution of their position players. Joe Crede has emerged as the starting third baseman, and Juan Uribe has received the starting job at second base. Nick Swisher looks to be leading the pack for the highly competitive starting job at center field.
Jim Thome and the Chicago White Sox head into Opening Day with momentum on their side. The Sox will need to bring their A games because their first two series are against the Cleveland Indians and Detroit Tigers, whom both finished in the top two in the AL Central last season.
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