Jim Thome Traded to Orioles

Future Hall-of-Famer Jim Thome‘s second tour of duty with the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League didn’t last long. He was traded yesterday to the Baltimore Orioles where he will be able to get more playing time as the team’s full-time DH.

According to ESPN…

Thome will move right into the designated hitter role with the Orioles, who have been a surprising contender in the AL East. Out for much of the season with a lower back strain, Thome didn’t figure to see much time in the field for the slumping Phillies. He also had struggled as a pinch hitter.

The Phillies traded Thome, 41, in exchange for two minor league prospects, right-handed pitcher Kyle Simon and catcher Gabriel Lino. Thome, who had an ailing back, hit .242 with five home runs and 15 RBI in 30 games for the Phillies

The universally liked and respected Thome has 609 home runs, seventh place all time, 1,689 RBI, and is a five-time MLB All Star. The lefty batter is the current MLB record holder for most walk-off home runs (13) in the modern era.

Orioles Executive VP Dan Duquette had this to say about the Thome acquisition:

Jim Thome’s a real pro, and he specializes in hitting home runs and getting on base. He’s done that consistently his whole career. Beyond that, he’s a terrific teammate and a steady presence. He’s a veteran, he’s been around the league. He’s been in the pennant race and he’s been in the playoffs. We like all those things that he brings to our team.

Thome started his 22-year (so far) MLB career with the Cleveland Indians and in addition to the Phillies, he has played for the ChiSox, Dodgers, Twins, and Indians again.

Watch Jim Thome’s walk-off home run against the Tampa Bay Rays on June 23 for which he supposedly earned $5,000 from closer Jonathan Papelbon:

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