2012 Philadelphia Phillies: Why Signing Jim Thome Can Be Low-Risk, High-Reward

The announcement was just made and confirmed by Phillies.com: Jim Thome is returning to the Philadelphia Phillies, pending a physical.

For the Phillies, signing 1B Jim Thome didn't exactly come as a surprise. The pieces were in place to bring Thome back last season, but ultimately he was traded to another of his former teams, the Cleveland Indians.

With Thome back in the clubhouse, it is sure to boost the spirits of fans and players alike. Although he has played barely any defense since being traded from the Phillies to the White Sox, it looks that he might be called to do that for the Phillies.

It will be an interesting move to see what the 41-year-old has left. In a seemingly low-risk, high-reward move, the Phillies could be rewarded big time for bringing the adored superstar back to Philadelphia.

He Can Play First Base Until Ryan Howard Is off the DL

At this point in October, I don't think there is anyone that hasn't heard about Ryan Howard's injury. Not expected to be ready by the start of spring training, Howard is going to be greatly missed in the lineup. Not only is he the power source of the team, but he also plays solid first base.

Signing Thome to a one-year deal is something that makes a lot of sense for the Phillies. While Thome is not the same player the Phillies knew from his time here, he can still hit for power.

The irony of the entire situation is that Thome was traded from Philly to make room for the up-and-coming Howard, and now, Thome has been brought back to take Howard's place until he is healthy.

The team knows Thome can still hit, as he recorded 15 HR and 50 RBI in 2011. His ability to play the field remains to be seen.

Since being traded to the White Sox in 2005, Thome has been almost solely used as a DH. For the Phillies in 2012, the big question is going to be figuring out what their plan is for Thome and seeing what he can still do.

He Can Provide Power off the Bench

If it turns out that Thome is too much of a defensive liability, he still offers a great offensive threat from the bench after Howard comes off the DL. For a Phillies team that has lost some of its offensive pop, Thome is guy who can be looked to in this department.

With Ross Gload and Raul Ibanez as free agents, it is possible the Phillies decide to part with both of them. In this case, Thome's bat would be even more important. Gload was the guy the Phillies looked to for power off the bench, but if he goes, this will be Thome's main job.

For someone who is used to playing every day, Thome may have some struggles getting enough at-bats to stay sharp, but he is still a risk worth taking. At worst, Thome has a Ross Gload-esque second half of the season from the bench, and at best, he gives the Phillies a much-needed power boost.

It is nothing new for the Phillies. They took a chance on Matt Stairs, who paid dividends in 2008. If Thome can be anything like Stairs was, it will go a long way at another shot at a World Series in 2012.

He Is Familiar with the Team

It may seem insignificant, but team familiarity and chemistry go along way to creating a championship team. For the Phillies and Thome, he knows a lot of the players, and they know him.

His relationships with Howard, Utley, Ruiz and Rollins make him an instant fit with the team. Having Thome would be good for the clubhouse, and his insight and baseball knowledge can only benefit the young guys he will most likely be able to mentor.

He Has a Great Relationship with Charlie Manuel

Not only was Manuel Thome's hitting instructor, he was a friend and someone who is still close to him today. Getting to work together again is something that both of these guys must be looking forward to.

I can only imagine that bringing Thome back to Philadelphia was at least partially Manuel's work, who worked with him back in their Cleveland days.

Manuel was, and continues to be, so fond of Thome, and that relationship goes both ways. Thome credited Manuel with immense praise after he hit his 600th HR, giving his former instructor all the praise in the world.

With the bond and familiarity between these two, the working relationship will be easy and can only continue to benefit the Phillies, Thome and Manuel. 

The Fans in Philadelphia Love Him

If there is one player who would never be booed when coming back to Philly, it's Jim Thome. Now back in the red and white pinstripes, it can only be imagined how welcoming the fan reaction will be.

Jim Thome was and still is just one of those players with whom fans instantly fell in love. When he came to the Phillies in 2003, it was during a period when the team was not that good.

In fact, Thome was really the first free agent to agree to come to Philadelphia. In a way, Thome coming to the Phillies was the catalyst for all of the recent success they have had. He was the first one in what has turned out to be a long line of stars.

Thome's star shone bright in Philadelphia, and he was easy to like as a fan. For a fanbase that would be rocked if superstar Jimmy Rollins chose to sign elsewhere, having Thome back with the team would soften the blow.

Although it would be amazing for both to play on the 2012 Phillies, at least having Thome on the team is something that is already making fans excited for the 2012 season.

Both He and the Phillies Want a Ring

It wouldn't be surprising if many fans have visions of Thome hitting the walk-off, game-winning home run in Game 7 of the 2012 World Series.

In fact, it would be a dream come true for Thome, who, despite numerous career accomplishments and a likely hall of fame induction, has yet to win a ring. To win one in Philly would be the ultimate career fulfillment.

Thome's bat could help the Phillies make the playoffs and end the gradual decline of playoff success. He probably wouldn't be the deciding factor to another Phillies World Series run, but it certainly can't hurt.

No one is going to soon forget Matt Stairs' monster shot that beat the Dodgers in the NLCS. That was a fantastic moment for Phillies fans. To see Thome do it, well, that would just be unreal.