"The Phillies, for all their strengths, could really use a left-handed power bat off the bench. And yes, that still holds true despite signing discarded Mariners DH Jack Cust to a minor-league contract.

Some buzz is starting to be heard that the Phillies could make a play for none other than Jim Thome, who recently hit his 600th home run. They have until Aug. 31 to make a waiver deal that would make him eligible for the postseason roster.

Thome, who played for the Phillies from 2003 to 2005, has never won a World Series (though he lost two with the Indians). It is believed the Twins would be open to sending Thome to a contender to help him fulfill the last goal of a Hall of Fame career, and the Phillies are the most logical choice.

"I think it's every player's dream to win, and I don't know, to be honest," he told reporters when asked, 24 hours after his 600th homer, if he would consider joining a contender for the rest of the season. "That's something, until that happens, is hard for me to comment on that out of respect, out of respect to this (tapping his Twins jersey)."

It's something to watch closely over the next two weeks. Thome turns 41 on Aug. 27 and has had two stints on the disabled list this year. He has not yet decided if he will play next season."