"White Sox designated hitter Adam Dunn admits he has "reached out a little bit" to Jim Thome, the former Sox DH now with the Twins and owner of 595 home runs.

The two have similar styles: big swingers from the left side who strike out a lot and walk just as much.

As always, Thome was diplomatic when talking about Dunn's season-long struggles, saying, "For me to comment would be out of line."

But he does empathize.

"As a player you ride it through," Thome said. "As a guy who swings and misses and has struck out a ton, it's hard. When you can have success and are blessed to play a long time and (then go through) those periods, it's tough.

"The game is like a roller coaster, but it can all change like that. (Former Indians hitting coach) Charlie Manuel used to tell me one swing, one good week, and it can all change."

So are his bad slumps mostly mental?

"I think so," he said. "Every player cares, every player wants to do well, but unfortunately, struggling is part of the game.""