Why in the hell would Thome sign with the Phillies? Why in the hell would The Phillies sign Thome?
Ryan Howard insurance? Thome comfortable with a pinch hitting role when Howard is healthy?ETA: Also worth noting Thome has never won a WS ring. Perhaps a diminished role with a contender in a city that he's familiar with is his best ticket for a last chance.
The guy hasn't played 1B since 2007, and that was 1 game, so I don't see how he's insurance for Howard.25 man roster in the NL, on a team that will likely have an infield with all 4 positions manned by bunch of 30 somethings. 3 of those guys missed 20+ games last yeardon't see how he fits
Berkman in RF for STL this season must have blown your mind. Something tells me Jim can manage a few games at 1st. Not going to win a Gold Glove, but then again that's not exactly what they signed him for. I suppose you have similar reservations about the Rockies continually renewing Jason Giambi's contract?How is rostering Jim Thome as a pinch hitter/ occasional 1st baseman any different than rostering Ross Gload? Aside from the huge OPS boost Thome brings.
When you want to use someone to compare to Thome, please narrow it down to players that are over 40 and have taken the field one or fewer times in the last 5 years. Berkman - Never stopped playing defense and 6 years youngerGiambi - who while 40 has played over 100 total games @ 1B over the last 3 years and 200+ over the last 4They aren't very good comparisons.As for being a better fit that Gload.... Ask the Dodgers how Jim Thome in a pinch hitter role worked out.
Seems like your problem is with Ruben Amaro, not me. I'm just telling you why they signed him, as you requested in your original post. It's not my job to provide you with examples that suit your liking. If you're going to be like this after every signing, God help this thread.Or, if you don't like that response, maybe this helps close the subject and put you at ease: "You're right, Limp Ditka. Amaro is clearly in over his head, has no idea what he's doing with this ludicrous signing, and can only be helped by the smartest man from the interwebs.... you."