Jim Thome Projects Next to 600, Talks Toughest Pitchers He's Faced

Jason Miller/Getty Images

During my conversation with Jim Thome last week, we spent a great deal of time talking about his 600th home run, as well as many other big home runs he's put over the fence throughout his great career.

He talked briefly about young players in the game today that may someday join the 600 club. The names that came to mind certainly aren't surprises and very well may end up joining the all-time ranks when all is said and done.

As much as Thome may be known for the many home runs that he's hit over the years, he openly admitted that he's had troubles striking out and that there have been pitchers who have had his number. He also brought up a few that he's had the most struggles with throughout his career.

Click here for more on Thome's thoughts about hitting No. 600, the steroid era and his plans for the future.

Albert Pujols

Jeff Curry/Getty Images

"I think you’ve gotta look at Pujols first and foremost. Albert is one of the best, most dangerous hitters in the game today."

Miguel Cabrera

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

"I would say a guy like Cabrera in Detroit could definitely get there. He’s a great young hitter. He has a very, very good swing and is so hard to get out."

An Unknown Gem Down on the Farm?

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

"But the unique thing is that there might be a kid in the minor leagues who comes up and who knows? The great thing of baseball is that there’s always someone out there who could be the next Willie Mays or Hank Aaron and you just don’t know it yet. That’s what makes baseball so special."

"I signed in '89, went back to the minor leagues in '90, went back in '91 again; so all in all, I’d say I was in the minors a little over two years. A young player out there that can string together a long career definitely has a shot at getting to 600, too."

Randy Johnson

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

"Randy Johnson I would say was the toughest. There have just been so many. With saying that, there have been some who I struggled against at times, but then would hit well against other times."

Roger Clemens

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

"I would say Clemens was one of the tougher ones. I’ve had some success against him in my career, but I’ve definitely struck out many times at his hands."

C.C. Sabathia

Nick Laham/Getty Images

"C.C. (Sabathia) is very tough. I’ve hit a few home runs against him, but he’s struck me out a bunch. It’s just the cat and mouse game of pitcher and hitter; it’s just another thing that makes this game so cool."