Chicago White Sox: How Would Jim Thome or Jason Kubel Look at DH?

Chicago White Sox GM Kenny Williams is a guy who plays to win. Will his desire to capture the AL Central flag lead him to pick up a bat off of division rival Minnesota's sinking ship?

News that the Twins have places veteran DH and former White Sox Jim Thome on waivers along with outfielder Jason Kubel should have pricked up the ears of Williams. He now has a way to add what could be the piece that sparks Chicago to the playoffs.

It is a strong possibility that Williams will put in a claim for one or both players.

It could be to simply block the Indians, who could be interested in obtaining a left-handed bat for the season's final month. In truth, however, the White Sox could also use another stick from the left side.

With Carlos Quentin day-to-day with a shoulder sprain, a little pop from the veteran Thome or another outfielder in Kubel couldn't hurt the cause. Will Minnesota pull the players off of waivers if a division opponent makes a claim? Maybe, but what does it hurt Williams to throw his hat into the ring?

Kubel, who is the more expensive of the two players, may be the best option for Chicago. They would only be on the hook for a small portion of his $5.25 million salary, and he's a free agent at the end of the year. No commitments for a team that's facing some salary cuts.

Though his average has dipped recently, Kubel is still a .295 hitter in 78 games with Minnesota this season. He provides more versatility than Thome, as he can play either corner outfield position as well as DH.

Thome is being cut loose a little over a week after hitting his 600th home run, his 12th of the season. His batting average is .256 for the year in 68 games, but so far in August he was hitting .273 with four homers and a dozen RBI.

Not to rub salt in the wound, but our current left-handed DH is hitting .196 with one homer and two RBI in that same span. Did I mention that Thome is working for a quarter of the price?

Thome is probably making his last lap around the league next month, but most White Sox fans would have to admit that they wouldn't mind seeing Thome back in a White Sox uniform before he hangs it up. Plus, we keep him away from Cleveland.

The head cries for Kubel while the heart pines for a reunion with Thome. Either player could help the White Sox at this point and won't put a big dent in the budget. Let's see if Williams puts in a claim for a left-handed bat.