Reds really should sign Jim Thome

[[deleted]]

Not because we necessarily need him*, but because I want him...

The guy might be the most universally likable player in baseball, and he's got some legendary numbers that still somehow manage to get overlooked. He's a slam-dunk first-ballot HoF'er and I've always admired his power and his character. Seeing him in Cincy red sure would be nice, even in a small role.

*I guess he's not an awful fit... That LH pop off the bench would be very nice.

[m21eagle45]

I would pass. Not that I do not like Thome, but I do not see a spot on the team for him. He would be a downgrade over anyone on the 25 man roster in my opinion.

[chuck6660]

I agree there appears to be no place for him on the roster. If the Reds are going to carry a "dead weight" veteran for clubhouse presence I feel Rolen would have more value as he can play 3rd base.

[RedTruck]

His numbers are actually pretty good..even besides the fact he's a bit of a shadow of his former self

From 2008-2012 (from age 37-42, his decline years so to speak)

.255 Batting Average
.370 OBP
105 HR, 301 RBI's
OPS .879

Seriously, those numbers aren't to shabby. Even in a down year he's still producing more than any scrub we had on the bench the past few years. Plus his veteran leadership, and good guy personality will surely make a more friendlier clubhouse atmosphere in the long run (which is always a key aspect in a successful playoff run)

Not saying that I WANT him necessarily, but I wouldn't get mad if Jocketty for some reason wanted to pick up Thome instead of Rolen.

[[deleted]]

I didn't make this thread to actually advocate the signing of Thome, just to appreciate what a career he's had and how I wish he could have made his way to Cincinnati at some point. (But yeah, I don't doubt at all that the guy can still mash).

[nheath22]

Originally Posted by [deleted]

I didn't make this thread to actually advocate the signing of Thome, just to appreciate what a career he's had and how I wish he could have made his way to Cincinnati at some point. (But yeah, I don't doubt at all that the guy can still mash).

He is and always will be one of my all time favorite players and I agree he never gets enough praise. He also hit some clutch late homeruns last year as a PH and still has some power. But as you guys said, not really a lot of room on the roster as it is for anyone off the bench when we have Paul, Donald, Heisey, possibly Rolen, there just doesn't seem to be a place for him, although I would never mind having Thome representing my franchise both on and off the field.

[5ToolPlaya]

Let one of the AL teams carry him for the first part of the season and if he's productive pick him up in a late July trade.

[malcontent]

Thome is the quintessential Red...neck.

No thanks.

[DaytonFlyer]

Originally Posted by [deleted]

I didn't make this thread to actually advocate the signing of Thome, just to appreciate what a career he's had and how I wish he could have made his way to Cincinnati at some point. (But yeah, I don't doubt at all that the guy can still mash).

*looks at title of thread*

[New York Red]

Originally Posted by DaytonFlyer

*looks at title of thread*

[tedies]

horrible idea

[RedTruck]

Originally Posted by DaytonFlyer

*looks at title of thread*

[Larkin88]

Originally Posted by DaytonFlyer

*looks at title of thread*

[DirtyBaker]

Thome is on his last years, and I really feel the Phillies wasted one of his last year. Thome can't play in the NL, especially on a team who's best player is its 1st baseman. He'd make a good pinch hitter, but I think there are other options off the bench that can contribute more than Thome. It's going to be hard enough to cut this roster down to 25 as it is, as much as a good hitter as I still believe he can be.

[drowg14]

One of my favorite WS memories was Thome LAUNCHING a HR at Jacobs field. I was still pretty young so I can't remember if it was the Marlins or Braves WS (although I want to say it was the Braves one), but I remember it being an absolute blast.