Jim Thome News: Pro Sports Daily

With Dodgers, Jim Thome chases elusive ring

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October 10

Chicago Tribune

"It's strange the knuckleball-like path careers sometimes take. In 2006, the White Sox acquired an aging Jim Thome as the missing piece in their quest to repeat as world champions. In 2009, they traded Thome -- with his approval -- for almost nothing so he would have another chance to win a championship. And so here is Thome, a Dodger for just more than a month instead of a White Sox sitting at home. South Side fans may have been angered and confused at the deal, but Thome and his teammates are one victory over the Cardinals away from an NL Championship Series, with Game 3 scheduled for Saturday. "I love Chicago. I think everyone knows my feelings for Chicago," Thome said. "I was also in a ..."

Thome may block old friend's way to the Series

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October 10

Philadelphia Inquirer

"As in many professions, longevity in baseball brings varied emotional experiences.Jim Thome is quite familiar with the thrill that comes with bashing home runs, the angst pennant races can trigger, the disappointment of failing when a hit is badly needed.Now, at 39, Thome may be in for something different as his career winds down. As a pinch-hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who can punch their ticket to the National League Championship Series with a win over the Cardinals in their division series tonight at Busch Stadium, he could stand in the way of Phillies manager Charlie Manuel's desire to return to the World Series."Charlie's special to me," Thome said before the Dodgers' ..."

Jim Thome's return is just a dream

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September 6

Akron Beacon Journal

columnist Sheldon Ocker

"You probably don't think much about Jim Thome. Why would you? Out of sight, out of mind; he hasn't played for the Indians since 2002. Thome has a chance to hit 600 career home runs on his way to the hall of fame. I hope he gets there. He has 564, but now that he's with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he's not likely to add many to his total. As a designated hitter in the National League, Thome will spend most of his playing time as a pinch hitter. But at his age, 39, he can't afford to waste even a couple of months sitting on the bench. Thome will be a free agent at the end of the season, and he has performed well enough - batting around .250 with 23 homers and 74 RBI in 350 at-bats - to latch ..."

Dodgers slugger Jim Thome has long trip to Hall

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September 6

Los Angeles Times

"Jim Thome took his baseball and went home. He didn't want to. He had no choice. He was snowed in. He and his father would have to visit the Hall of Fame some other time, in better weather, for a special delivery. Baseball players are not responsible for historic preservation. Hit a milestone home run, sign the bat or ball, let the Hall of Fame worry about getting the artifact in hand. That would not do for Thome, not for a baseball that meant so very much to his family. Thome had the ball he hit for his 500th home run, and he and his father wouldoff the ball in person, in Cooperstown. He hit that home run at home, in Illinois, for the Chicago White Sox. He grew up three hours outside ..."

Dodgers' Thome selfishly chases title

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September 4

L.A. Daily News

columnist Doug Padilla

"He might be one of the nicest guys in the game, but Jim Thome does have a selfish streak. Approaching the end of a 19-year career at the age of 39, Thome agreed to a trade from the Chicago White Sox to the Dodgers this week because he believed it gave him a legitimate shot to reach his dream of winning a World Series. "That's ultimately why you play the game, to get an opportunity to win," Thome said shortly after arriving in the Dodgers clubhouse for the first time Wednesday. "There are some veteran guys here, and maybe (I can) fit in and be another input, or come off the bench and get a big hit late in the game or the middle of the game. It's a once-in-a-lifetime situation." Realizing ..."

Thome shows once again why he's a throwback player

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September 3

Chicago Tribune

columnist Phil Rogers

"Poor Jim Thome. Dude doesn't get it. The year is 2009, and he's acting like it's 1949. Traded from the White Sox to the Dodgers late Monday night, essentially out of the blue, he clearly was caught off guard. He probably should plead temporary insanity for his complicity in this affair. Thome had a no-trade clause but apparently forgot about it. Otherwise why would he leave the comfort of U.S. Cellular Field, where he has been climbing the ladder on the all-time home run list for four seasons now, for the uncertainty of life at Dodger Stadium? The no-trade clause wasn't the only thing Thome forgot about. He also must not have realized there's no designated hitter rule in the National ..."

Jim Thome gave up at-bats for a shot at a ring

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September 3

Los Angeles Times

"Only 36 home runs short of 600, Jim Thome probably cost himself around 70 plate appearances when he waived his no-trade clause Monday night and accepted a trade to become a pinch-hitter for the Dodgers. "I can't sit here and say I haven't thought about it," Thome said of the milestone only six players have reached. At 39 years old, Thome is running out of time to hit his historic homer. He's also running out of time to win a World Series, something he hasn't done in his previous 18 major league seasons. That was why he said he accepted to be traded by the Chicago White Sox. "That's ultimately why you play this game, for this opportunity to win," said Thome, who joined the Dodgers on ..."

Last fall provides the reason for Dodgers' acquisition of Thome

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September 3

Los Angeles Times

columnist Jerry Crowe

"Fans wondering why the Dodgers traded for a designated hitter this week might think back to last October. . . . Matt Stairs, in his only plate appearance of the National League championship series, hit a pinch-hit two-run home run against Jonathan Broxton that helped the Philadelphia Phillies to a Game 4 victory over the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. . . . Maybe Jim Thome can do the same for Joe Torre"

White Sox praise Jim Thome, Jose Contreras

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September 2

Chicago Tribune

"White Sox players will miss Jim Thome's preparation and friendship as much as they will miss his 134 home runs over almost four seasons. "Jim's preparation was unparalleled," said Carlos Quentin, who followed some of Thome's pregame back exercises. "He covered all his bases to make sure he could perform. Everyone saw that. It's something you appreciate and look at as an example." Paul Konerko, who re-signed with the Sox after the 2005 season largely because the Sox acquired Thome from the Phillies, said his former teammate was as genuine as advertised. "I could always say I played with him, like everyone else in here," Konerko said. "You play with a legend like that, it was definitely a ..."

Dodgers' shopping spree is talk of town

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September 1

Los Angeles Times

"The Dodgers made two dramatic trades Monday night to bolster their postseason chances, acquiring slugger Jim Thome from the Chicago White Sox and starting pitcher Jon Garland from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The acquisitions came just before the 9 p.m. PDT trade deadline, so both players are eligible to be on the Dodgers' postseason roster if the team makes the playoffs. As Garland sat in the Diamondbacks' dugout at Dodger Stadium, the Dodgers announced the deals not long before Arizona beat the Dodgers, 5-3, with two runs in the 10th inning, denying Dodgers starter Randy Wolf his 100th victory. Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti said Thome and Garland, who both have playoff experience, ..."

White Sox send Jim Thome to the Dodgers, Jose Contreras to the Rockies

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September 1

Chicago Tribune

"The transformation of the once-contending White Sox started just before Monday's 11 p.m. trade deadline. The Sox traded designated hitter Jim Thome to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Class A infielder Justin Fuller, 26, and dealt pitcher Jose Contreras to the Colorado Rockies for Triple-A pitcher Brandon Hynick, 24, who threw a seven-inning perfect game on June 30 for Colorado Springs. The Sox sent cash to the Dodgers and Rockies in both deals. The trades were announced about 90 minutes after the Sox lost 4-1 in Minnesota for their eighth setback in their last nine games. Shortly after the game, Thome declined to comment while talking briefly to teammates. The Sox (64-68) lost for the 10th ..."

39-year-old slugger wants to reach 600 home runs, win World Series

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August 27

Chicago Tribune

"White Sox designated hitter Jim Thome turns 39 Thursday, but 600 is a more significant number for him. Thome reaffirmed Wednesday he would like to play long enough to reach the 600-home run mark. Despite a nagging left heel injury, Thome has remained healthy enough to play in 102 games and not miss any extended time because of back issues. "I do want my kids to know what I've done," said Thome, the father of two young children. "The bottom line is I want to be there for them. That's an important part of everyone's life. My daughter is getting older and understanding what baseball is right now. That part of it is great, and the drive to win a World Series is still there and being healthy. ..."

Jim Thome ties Reggie Jackson for 12th on all-time homer list

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August 16

Chicago Tribune

"Some unfinished business still remains for the White Sox after Jim Thome tied Reggie Jackson for 12th place on the all-time home run list in the park where Jackson established his Hall of Fame career. The Sox are one victory from their first three-game sweep at the Oakland Coliseum in 12 years after they humbled the A's 8-1 Saturday. For the Sox, a triumph Sunday would help build momentum they will need as the meat of their schedule awaits them. They trail the Tigers by 2 1/2 games in the American League Central. "It would be nice to have a better flight to Chicago," manager Ozzie Guillen said. He's mindful of the fact the Sox (60-57) lost two of three games at Seattle on this trip, lost ..."

Thome homers twice to beat Angels

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August 6

Houston Chronicle

"Jim Thome homered twice to give him 561 for his career, and Gavin Floyd pitched into the ninth as the White Sox beat the AL-West leading Angels 6-2 for the second straight night. The 38-year-old Thome is two behind Reggie Jackson for 12th on the all-time list. WEDNESDAY'S STARS Making just his second career start, Justin Lehr pitched a four-hit shutout as the Reds beat the Cubs 4-0 to break their eight-game skid. It was Lehr's first win since May 18, 2006. J.A. Happ struck out a career-high 10 in his second shutout of the season as the Phillies beat the Rockies 7-0. But Happ (8-2) figures to be the odd man out when Pedro Martinez joins the rotation. Edwin Jackson took a shutout into the ..."

Thome powers way to weekly honors

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July 20

MLB.com

"Jim Thome, the White Sox veteran designated hitter who emerged from the All-Star Game break with a personal-best seven-RBI game, was selected American League Player of the Week presented by Bank of America for the period ending July 19. On Friday, Thome, 38, hit a grand slam and a three-run homer in a 12-8 victory over Baltimore -- also giving him a White Sox record 14 RBIs in a three-game span reverting to the final two games prior to the All-Star Game break. It was Thome's 43rd career multi-homer game, seven shy of passing Reggie Jackson for 12th place on that all-time list. This marks the sixth time the 19-season veteran has taken weekly honors in his league."

Thome's homers lead Sox

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July 18

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Part of manager Ozzie Guillen's confidence entering the second half stems from slugger Jim Thome's potential to embark on one of his patented home run streaks. Guillen's instincts may be dead on because Thome hit a grand slam and a three-run homer and drove in a career-high seven runs Friday night to vault the White Sox to a 12-8 victory over the Orioles. Thome's three-run shot in the fifth broke a 3-3 tie and knocked out Baltimore starter Jason Berken. In the sixth, Thome gave his teammates some much-needed support when he launched a grand slam an estimated 448 feet off reliever Danys Baez. Thome had finished the first half Sunday with a three-run homer off the Twins' Scott Baker. Thome ..."

O's get a Thome ache

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July 18

Chicago Sun-Times

"No individual player will make a difference for the White Sox in the second half. Playing as one team will. That was manager Ozzie Guillen's message before Friday's three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles. But it was also before one player made a difference almost single-handedly in a 12-8 victory to start the second half. With a career-high seven RBI, Jim Thome offset a rough night for Sox pitchers, hitting a three-run homer in the fifth and a mammoth grand slam in the sixth. ''I think four days off [for the All-Star break] definitely helped,'' said Thome, whose 15th and 16th homers of the season pushed his career total to 559. ''I felt like a kid. You savor these moments as you ..."

Jim Thome's 2 homers, 7 RBIs lift Chicago White Sox to 12-8 victory

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July 18

Chicago Tribune

"Jim Thome said he felt like a young kid after getting four days off during the All-Star break. But to the White Sox, Thome looked like his old self -- one of the major leagues' most storied sluggers. Thome vaulted the Sox to a 12-8 victory over Baltimore with two home runs and a career-high seven RBIs that moved the Sox to within 2 1/2 games of first-place Detroit in the American League Central. "When he gets them, he gets them in a bunch," manager Ozzie Guillen said. "And he gets big ones." Thome, 38, has three homers in his last two games, but his two Friday night were timely. His three-run homer in the fifth snapped a 3-3 tie and knocked out Baltimore starter Jason Berken. But his ..."

Jim Thome OK, but sits anyway

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June 25

Chicago Tribune

"The White Sox couldn't wait to get away from National League cities and get Jim Thome back as their designated hitter. But after missing eight straight games against NL teams and having only one back at U.S. Cellular Field, Thome was not in Wednesday night's lineup against the Dodgers. It's curious, but Thome said he was fine and so did manager Ozzie Guillen. Perhaps Guillen, knowing there's an afternoon game Thursday and a left-hander starting Wednesday, just wanted to save wear and tear on Thome's bothersome feet and back. The Sox are scheduled to face four right-handers the next four days. This is Guillen's explanation: "He's not swinging the bat well right now. I'm going to give him ..."

White Sox's Jim Thome hits 548th home run

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May 19

Chicago Tribune

"Jim Thome wasn't about to gloat after hitting a game-tying home run Monday that moved him into a tie for 13th place on the all-time home run list with Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt. The joy of Thome's 548th homer in the top of the eighth inning was short-lived, as Alex Rios' two-out triple in the bottom of the inning resulted in Toronto's 3-2 win and the Sox's fifth consecutive loss. "It's nice to accomplish this but not fun to come home after getting swept," Thome said. "We have to stay positive and start getting after it." Wise makes progress: A minor league rehab assignment is getting closer for outfielder Dewayne Wise, five weeks after he separated his right shoulder. "Everything is ..."

Chicago White Sox resting Jim Thome more

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May 14

Chicago Tribune

"Thursday represents a day off for most of the White Sox's traveling party in Toronto. For Jim Thome, the free time is often used for a massage to help his body recover from assorted ailments, such as his creaky lower back and sore left heel. "I use it to my advantage," Thome said. "Before, [I didn't] have to do it as much. I use off days to taking care of my body." Thome, 38, didn't start Wednesday and referred to it as one of his "spa days." "They're maintenance days," Thome said. "You get in hot and cold tubs." Thome admitted his body was taxed at the end of 2008, when manager Ozzie Guillen said he played Thome more than he should have because the Sox were in the midst of a division ..."

Thome's homers hinder Tribe

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May 13

Akron Beacon Journal

"When the Triple-A starter takes the place of the big-league starter, who has been hastily reassigned to the troubled bullpen, and the Triple-A starter falters, what is the next move? This is not some newfangled video game, but the true-to-life predicament facing the Indians. Aaron Laffey was performing very well in the Tribe's rotation, but with bullpen scuffling to close out games after the sixth inning, manager Eric Wedge and General Manager Mark Shapiro transformed Laffey into a reliever. So far so good, except that Laffey's replacement, Jeremy Sowers, has not fulfilled his duties in the rotation. In his second start since being called up from Columbus, Sowers limped through four ..."

Jim Thome homers twice as Chicago White Sox down Cleveland Indians

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May 13

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Manager Eric Wedge and GM Mark Shapiro keep saying the Indians need only one week of good baseball to get back in the American League Central race. But to play a good week of baseball, it's necessary to win two games in a row at some point. So far the Indians have done that once this season, which goes a long way in explaining their 12-22 record and Tuesday night's 7-4 loss to the White Sox. Take Jeremy Sowers, for instance. Sowers started Tuesday because the Indians had to put undefeated Aaron Laffey in the bullpen just so they could get a couple of outs at crunch time. Since taking Laffey's spot in the rotation, Sowers is 0-2 with a 12.00 ERA."

Thome, Podsednik key White Sox' 4-3 win over Rangers

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May 2

Chicago Sun-Times

"There definitely was a good-time feeling in the White Sox locker room, almost like turning back the clock. Scott Podsednik returned for the first time since 2007 with two hits and scored the winning run as the Sox came back from a three-run deficit to defeat the Texas Rangers 4-3 Friday night before 23,836 at Rangers Ballpark. ''This feels good,'' said Podsednik, who was 2-for-4. ''Like I said earlier, I just wanted to come in and contribute something. And I did. I felt relatively comfortable. The battle will be not to try to press and do too much.'' Scott Feldman, the Rangers' 26-year-old right-handed starter, looked more like Cy Young than a career 8-13 pitcher. Through 5 2/3 innings, ..."

Jim Thome and Chris Getz cleared to play Friday

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May 1

Chicago Tribune

"Designated hitter Jim Thome and second baseman Chris Getz were cleared to return to the White Sox lineup Friday night at Texas after missing the Seattle series because of injuries. Thome said he expects to return to the lineup after running the bases in the rain Thursday to test his ailing left heel at U.S. Cellular Field. "The big thing was to see where I was with my running," Thome told a member of the Sox's media relations department. "Everything was good." Thome has coped with a sore left foot since the end of spring training. He seemed to be running well until last Sunday when he aggravated the ankle while stepping on a base. An MRI revealed swelling and Thome said he took an ..."

White Sox's Jim Thome, Chris Getz cleared to play, Anderson reevaluated Friday

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April 30

Chicago Tribune

"White Sox designated hitter Jim Thome and second baseman Chris Getz were cleared to play Friday night at Texas. Center fielder Brian Anderson will be re-evaluated before Friday night's game after suffering an injury to his oblique muscle in Wednesday's win over Seattle. Thome tested his left heel by running the bases in the rain Thursday, the Sox said. Getz received treatment on his fractured right middle finger. "It's much better than the other day, for sure," Thome told a member of the Sox's media relations department. Thome took some batting practice on Wednesday, but the big test was running the bases since he hadn't done that since aggravating his heel in Sunday's loss to Toronto. ..."

Getz expected back, Thome still a question

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April 29

MLB.com

"Chris Getz is expected back in the lineup when the White Sox open a five-game road trip Friday night in Texas. But if Jim Thome is not ready to play, he could be headed to a stint on the disabled list. "Right now, pretty serious," said White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen of Thome, when asked Wednesday morning about the severity of his left heel soreness. "He's day-by-day, and every day he feels better. "If Thome is not ready to play Friday, we have to make a decision. We're short a couple of players. I have a lot of respect for him, and I wish he could be honest and say, 'Listen, I can't help you right now or yes I can.' I plan to play him Friday, but I'll go by my ear." Thome has missed the ..."

White Sox's Jim Thome makes dugout appearance

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April 29

Chicago Tribune

"White Sox designated hitter Jim Thome apparently was available to pinch-hit Wednesday in the sixth inning against Seattle. Thome was on the dugout steps wearing a batting helmet after taking a few swings in the dugout as the Sox rallied from a 3-1 deficit. But Thome was pulled back after Wilson Betemit hit an RBI double and Alexei Ramirez hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game at 3-3. Thome hasn't started since Sunday because of a left heel bruise, and manager Ozzie Guillen raised the possibility before the game that Thome could be placed on the 15-day disabled list if he's not healthy."

Thome gets the better of Blackburn again

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April 13

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Former White Sox third baseman Joe Crede crushed the Twins last season, then signed with them as a free agent during the offseason. Slugger Jim Thome homered off Nick Blackburn on Sept. 30 to give the White Sox a 1-0 victory in a playoff game to determine the AL Central Division champion. Thome then struck again Sunday, clubbing a two-run homer off Blackburn during a 6-1 victory. Thome is a free agent next year. Since the addition of Crede sets a precedent of signing White Sox players, why not go after Thome during the offseason? He leads all active players with 56 homers against the Twins, including 27 at the Metrodome. Thome has spoken highly of the Twins in the past. Most importantly, ..."

Sox' sluggers take issues

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March 29

Chicago Sun-Times

"Paul Konerko is one of the premier home-run hitters in White Sox history. Jim Thome is one of the most prolific power hitters to play the game. They have shared the clubhouse the last four seasons, they share a charity, and on Friday they shared a sit-down interview with the Sun-Times, discussing the team, each other and the perception that neither is the vocal leader the Sox need. Q: Now that you've had a look at the Gordon Beckhams and the other young guys who represent the newest wave of talent this spring, is the team in good hands for the next few years. JIM THOME: ''A lot of energy. A baseball team has to be able to have some young guys in the wings, and they've done that. What's ..."

Back spasms aside, Thome 'ready to go and play'

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March 18

Chicago Sun-Times

"White Sox slugger Jim Thome was leaning against the cage, trying to work the kinks out of his back during another round of batting practice Tuesday, when a Los Angeles Dodgers fan with a camera around his neck shouted, ''Hey, Peoria.'' Thome turned around, smiled and waved. Click. Then he returned his focus to the mound. That's Jim Thome. After taking his round of hacks, Thome stepped out of the cage. Another fan wearing a Dodgers T-shirt yelled, ''What's up, Jim Thome?'' And Thome turned around, offering another wave and that Buzz Lightyear smile. Thome could have ignored the shouts; most players do when they're working. But that's not Jim Thome. Besides, Thome is having a hard time ..."

White Sox's Jim Thome learns to live—and hit—with back trouble

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March 13

Chicago Tribune

"Jim Thome said the back problem he's currently experiencing usually occurs two to three times per year. He feels fortunate that his first round of discomfort has occurred now rather than during the regular season. At the same time, Thome begrudgingly has acknowledged that sitting during interleague games at National League parks actually has helped his longevity. As a result, Thome hopes to at least equal last year's mark of 149 games played that helped his $13 million option trigger for 2009. Thome vividly recalls when he made his last start at first base and went 2-for-3 at Philadelphia in 2007, only to suffer stiffness that knocked him out of the lineup for four games. That serves as a ..."

That age-old question

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February 19

Chicago Sun-Times

"Jim Thome isn't sure what his legacy in baseball will be when all is said and done. The pride of Peoria has put up Hall of Fame numbers in an era marred by steroids and HGH, by witch hunts and allegations, by suspicion and disappointment. Where he and his 541 career home runs fit in, well, that's not for Thome and his ''aw shucks'' attitude to dwell on. What Thome does know is that he can look in the mirror with a clean conscience and that he has a few goals left in baseball. Even if, at 38, he's becoming very aware that time is running out. ''When I got home last winter, it was a little different in a sense that I played a lot of games,'' Thome said Wednesday. ''I don't know how much ..."

Griffey, Thome enjoy a re-berth

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October 1

Chicago Sun-Times

"It was only fitting that the ''old men'' played hero when it mattered most. There was Ken Griffey Jr., grizzled arm and all, gunning down Michael Cuddyer at the plate in the fifth inning, then Jim Thome adding to his Paul Bunyan-like legend, air-mailing a Nick Blackburn seventh-inning pitch about 460 feet over the shrubbery below the center-field scoreboard. Then again, leave it to White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen to remind them of the alternative. With both Griffey and Thome in the twilights of their careers and the only rings on their fingers of the wedding variety, Guillen had a talk with both of them last weekend in Kansas City. ''I told them this may be the last time they ever play for ..."

Thome and Danks Send White Sox Into Playoffs

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October 1

New York Times

"A single dark blue T-shirt on a plastic hanger hung from a light fixture in a hallway leading from the Minnesota Twins' clubhouse to their dugout at U.S. Cellular Field on Tuesday. Outfielder Michael Cuddyer had shirts made up in spring training, inspired by the low expectations for the Twins the season. The front of the shirt read: 162 , with the plus representing playoff games. Cuddyer's optimistic notion came to fruition with Tuesday's one-game playoff against the Chicago White Sox for the American League Central title. "Cuddy's a prophet," the backup catcher Mike Redmond said. But the talisman did not help, and the unheralded Twins advanced no further. John Danks, working on three ..."

Hard work pays off for Thome

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September 22

Chicago Tribune

"Jim Thome received a nice surprise when he returned to his hotel room late Saturday night. Waiting for him was a bottle of champagne, courtesy of agent Pat Rooney, as a gift for having his $13 million option for 2009 vested after Thome made his 1,100th plate appearance over a two-year period. To reach the mark, Thome needed at least 554 plate appearances this season, eight more than last year, when a strained right rib cage sidelined him for three weeks. Thome didn't slack off, arriving Sunday morning well ahead of his teammates to go through his lengthy pregame routine. "I've tried to work very hard at that," Thome said. "It takes a lot of time and a lot of help from a lot of people." ..."

Thome's blast buries Angels

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September 7

Orange County Register

"Last longball wins. The Angels tried to beat the Chicago White Sox at their own game Saturday night but their four home runs were topped by one swing from Jim Thome who hit a game-winning home run off Justin Speier with one out in the 15th inning to give the White Sox a 7-6 victory over the Angels. The game was the longest (by innings) for the Angels since an 18-inning loss in Toronto on July 28, 2005. There have been only 18 games longer in franchise history. "That was a good battle … and it ended with a bang," Angels outfielder Torii Hunter said. "I feel like a zombie." Hunter's head was probably spinning from watching Chone Figgins hit his first home run in over a year, Francisco ..."

Thome has a blast

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September 7

Chicago Sun-Times

"No team in baseball is in as envious a position as the Los Angeles Angels, likely only days away from clinching the first playoff spot of the 2008 season. ''Who couldn't manage that club,'' White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said Saturday of the team guided by Mike Scioscia, a manager Guillen in fact respects. ''Mike could leave them for a week. They have power, speed, defense, pitching. Look at their bench. To me, they have the best team in our league. But we compete well against them.'' In fact, the Sox are in position to sweep the three-game series from the AL West leaders today thanks to the heroics of Jim Thome late Saturday night. His walk-off homer ended a 15-inning marathon and gave ..."

Sox walk off on Thome's milestone shot

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September 7

MLB.com

"At approximately the same time Gavin Floyd was throwing his first pitch against the Angels on Saturday night at U.S. Cellular Field, Justin Morneau was lining out to second base with the bases loaded to complete the Twins' come-from-ahead loss to the Tigers at the Metrodome. Six minutes short of four hours later, Jim Thome made sure the White Sox took full advantage of another heartbreaking and momentum-altering Twins defeat. Thome's 11th career walk-off home run, coming with one out in the 15th inning, gave the South Siders a 7-6 victory over the American League West leaders in this marathon affair played before 31,046. Thome's 438-foot clout off Justin Speier (1-8) almost reached the ..."

Thome blasts No. 536 as White Sox notch key win

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September 1

Chicago Sun-Times

"Veteran Jim Thome arrived in the White Sox' clubhouse Sunday and instantly noticed a sense of purpose among his teammates. There was no sugarcoating the obvious: The White Sox had been showcasing their worst side at one of the most critical points of the season. Another loss Sunday would have put a bitter end to August and sent the Sox into September with some serious questions. Once the entire team was in the dugout, Thome recalls Nick Swisher sounding the wakeup call. ''I heard Swish say, 'Whatever it takes to win this game,''' Thome said. ''From the time we got here till we hit the dugout, that was everybody's focus.'' The White Sox finally operated like a team on a mission, beating the ..."

Floyd, Thome get White Sox a victory in Boston

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September 1

Chicago Tribune

"Jim Thome felt the sense of urgency Sunday from the time he arrived at Fenway Park until left fielder Carlos Quentin squeezed Dustin Pedroia's fly ball with the tying run at second base in the ninth. "That's why I think this win was so big," said Thome, whose 536th career homer helped the White Sox clear several hurdles to seize a 4-2 victory over the Red Sox, snap a three-game losing streak and head to Cleveland with momentum. "From the start, we were ready to go, and it showed." The victory kept the Sox in first place in the AL Central, a half-game ahead of the Twins heading into the final four weeks of the season. Manager Ozzie Guillen said anything short of a playoff berth would be a ..."

Thome ties Mantle on all-time HR list as White Sox salvage series finale

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September 1

SI.com

"Jim Thome knew how much the Chicago White Sox needed a win. He helped them get one with a memorable homer. Thome hit a two-run shot in the first inning to match Mickey Mantle for 14th place with 536 career homers, and Chicago beat the Boston Red Sox 4-2 on Sunday to end a three-game losing streak. ''To tie Mickey Mantle , you're speechless. What do you say?'' Thome said. ''It's really hard to talk about because when you throw Mickey Mantle 's name around, that's probably one of the greatest home run hitters of all time.'' Chicago's skid helped Minnesota pull within a half-game of the AL Central-leading White Sox entering play Sunday. Boston, which led the Twins by 3 1/2 games in the ..."

Thome ties Mantle for 14th place on HR list

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September 1

Chicago Tribune

"Jim Thome stretched the truth Sunday after tying Mickey Mantle for 14th place on the all-time home run list. "I'm speechless," Thome said after hitting a two-run, first-inning homer that helped vault the White Sox to a 4-2 victory over the Red Sox. Thome's 536th homer tied him with Mantle, the former Yankees switch-hitter who, along with the Red Sox's Ted Williams (521 homers),were favorite players of Thome's father, Chuck. "We talk about it all the time, the history of the game, and what those guys have done," Thome said three days after he and his father visited the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. "To be a part of that is just really hard to talk about. Because when ..."

Thome, dad to enjoy Fame-ly outing

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August 28

Chicago Sun-Times

"After a year of planning and two failed attempts because of winter snowstorms, White Sox slugger Jim Thome is heading to Cooperstown, N.Y. Just Thome and his dad, Chuck. ''Third time's a charm,'' Thome said Wednesday. ''I know Dad is really excited about going. Getting the opportunity to spend the day there with him is going to be very special. Anytime you go there, it's special enough, but to do it with your dad is even better.'' Thome has made two trips to Cooperstown as a member of the Cleveland Indians to play in the annual Hall of Fame Game. But today will be the first time he'll get to tour the National Baseball Hall of Fame with his dad. After flying from Boston, where the Sox were ..."

Jim Thome, dad to take 500th homer ball to Hall of Fame

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August 28

Chicago Tribune

"Jim Thome finally will travel Thursday with his father Chuck to Cooperstown, N.Y., to deliver the ball he hit for his 500th career home run to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. And there's a good chance Thome will be able to deliver future mementos — as a member of the White Sox. If Thome, 38, remains healthy for the final 29 games of the season, his $13 million option for 2009 should be picked up automatically. Thome needs only 78 plate appearances to reach 1,100 over two seasons, which would guarantee his 2009 contract. But Thome declined to look ahead to next year or envision a bronze plaque of himself at the Hall of Fame. He was thinking about the private tour of the Hall he'll take ..."

Thome's 535th homer gives White Sox 'split'

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August 26

Chicago Tribune

"Jim Thome made history Monday night, and Alexei Ramirez strengthened his case for the future. Those contributions alleviated the sting of losing the completion of their April 28 suspended game, as the White Sox and Baltimore won their games by 4-3 scores. Thome moved into sole possession of 15th place on the all-time home run list by launching his 535th homer in the sixth inning off left-hander Chris Waters that snapped a 3-3 tie in Game 2. "Very special," Thome described the significance of hitting a game-winning homer and passing Jimmie Foxx. He trails Mickey Mantle by one home run. "Any time you tie or move ahead of the greats in the game, it's very humbling." Ramirez, giving Orlando ..."

Thome stumps for clutch Quentin

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August 11

Chicago Sun-Times

"MVP ballots were mailed out last week, and though White Sox slugger Jim Thome doesn't have a vote, he was willing to do some campaigning Sunday. The quiet man he was stumping for -- left fielder Carlos Quentin -- has done plenty of his own campaigning with his bat. Quentin blasted his league-leading 32nd home run and leads the White Sox with 90 RBI. Even in mid-August, that's MVP material to a future Hall of Famer such as Thome. ''Absolutely,'' said Thome, who added a two-run homer in the White Sox' 6-5 victory over the Boston Red Sox. ''You look at not only the year, but the big hits in key situations. You could count numerous times we needed a big hit from him, and he's done a terrific ..."

Big hitters keep on taking turns

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August 9

Chicago Tribune

"Ken Griffey Jr.'s arrival has enabled White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen to play his hottest hitters and give an occasional rest to certain players, as he did Friday night with designated hitter Jim Thome. But if Paul Konerko and Nick Swisher break out of their season-long ruts, Griffey produces and Thome keeps hitting for power … "If guys don't like their amount of playing time, then so what?" Swisher said. "It doesn't matter because we're all happy. We're winning ballgames, and that's all that matters." Swisher hit two doubles Thursday night, and Konerko had his second game of the season with at least three hits. Thome didn't start Friday night against the Red Sox despite a seven-game ..."

Jim Thome understands Ken Griffey Jr.'s quest

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August 3

Chicago Tribune

"If Ken Griffey Jr. needs any extra motivation to help him achieve his quest of winning a World Series, he only has to look at teammate Jim Thome. Falling short of a 1997 World Series title still gnaws at Thome, who, like Griffey, agreed to waive his no-trade rights to join the White Sox in 2006 with the singular intent of winning a Series. "There are important things, and there are things that drive you and you dream about," said Thome, who hasn't played in a postseason since 1998 with Cleveland. "In 1997 we were two outs away, and there's that missing little piece to the puzzle that never goes away. You never forget that, for sure." Thome is very happy to have Griffey as a teammate ..."

Thome puts '09 option on back burner, focuses 'on the task'

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June 26

Chicago Sun-Times

"Jim Thome doesn't know how the story is going to end. And the White Sox designated hitter isn't the type to peek ahead a few chapters and make a guess. All indications, however, are that Thome will have a difficult time reaching the required 664 plate appearances for his $13 million 2009 option to be automatically vested. Entering Wednesday's game, he needed 392 more. If he does fall short, the Sox would have to decide whether to pick up the option or let him go to free agency. ''That's the nature of the game,'' Thome said. ''We're not even done with June, so I'm not thinking about the end of the season."