Thread: Article: Thome or Not Thome: That apparently is the question

I think Thome is about done.

Originally Posted by John Bonnes

My best guess it that Thome's primary role would be that of pinch hitter for whoever is starting at middle infield. From a WAR standpoint that might not mean much, but from a WPA standpoint, it can make an impact. Certainly enough of an impact to justify a major league deal, especially given the surplus the team has.

But he could also be the first guy off the bench for a couple of our more fragile guys....
- Mauer needs a day off? Doumit to catcher and Thome to DH.
- Morneau? Maure to first, Doumit to catcher and Thome to DH.
- Doumit? Thome is the DH.

There is also plenty of room for him. Leaving Butera off the roster (and having Hicks in CF) would give two bench bats (Thome and Mastorianni) and two middle infielders to cover for the two guys most likely for whom to pinch-hit. That makes the most sense. But they could go with one extra-middle infielder (leaving someone in AAA to work on getting ready) or even go with (gasp) just six relievers. (They might even be able to get by with four starters if they get a little luck on some early season cancellations.)

I don't see the downside here.

Agreed, there is no downside. Worst case scenario is you end up cutting Thome and eating a million. No reason for Drew to be on the major league roster out of spring training.

Originally Posted by luke829

How much gas would someone his age realistically have left in the tank?

Gas is not the problem , or peeing 4 times a night , its the stamina that is soon gone from older players =)