Jim Thome is one of the best free agents available, and I think he is the best DH-type player available on the free-agent market. The Orioles could use another bat to compete with the solid pitching rotations of the AL East, and I think that Thome could be the perfect fit.
Yesterday, the Orioles inked Derrek Lee to a 1-year deal, which could be worth up to $10M, and, provided he doesn't get injured in Spring Training, he will be the first baseman in 2011. But, the Orioles could insert Thome into the DH role. Luke Scott is the primary candidate to be the primary DH next year, allowing Nolan Reimold and Felix Pie to battle for the starting left field job. But, Scott could take over the left field job if Thome was signed.
Also, the Orioles have a very small fan base. These fans need something to be happy about. The O's have made a big splash this year, bringing in J.J. Hardy, and much more notably, Mark Reynolds, but even that hasn't brought many fans to Baltimore. Adding a man who is chasing history, 600 home runs, could at least bring in some ticket sales, if not some actual fans, because people will want to A) watch a an improved offense, and B) try to catch the game that Thome hits his 600th bomb. Thome is also a smart move financially. The Orioles still want to make some more moves this year. They sit in the middle of the financial game. Thome will likely come cheaper than Vladimir Guerrero or Manny Ramirez, the other top outfield/DH-type players available. Guerrero had a phenomenal season last year, and will likely seek a large contract. Also, he has the Cliff Lee-less Texas Rangers chasing after him, so they will be aggresive and will likely drive up his price. Manny brings a troubled player and always seeks a large deal, so he doesn't seem to make much sense for a young club seeking leadership.
Now, if there are any possible concerns, here is the biggest one. On December 21, 1998, the Orioles signed Albert Belle, who was on the back end of his career, to a 5 year, $65 million deal. At that time, that was the largest contract in Orioles history. Belle was a bust, and because of his outbursts of anger at the media, he brought negative attention to a club that was trying to get on track to win. So, Owner Peter Angelos may be hesitant to handing over an expensive contract to another player on the decline, such as Thome.
Also, the Orioles have a very small fan base. These fans need something to be happy about. The O's have made a big splash this year, bringing in J.J. Hardy, and much more notably, Mark Reynolds, but even that hasn't brought many fans to Baltimore. Adding a man who is chasing history, 600 home runs, could at least bring in some ticket sales, if not some actual fans, because people will want to A) watch a an improved offense, and B) try to catch the game that Thome hits his 600th bomb. Thome is also a smart move financially. The Orioles still want to make some more moves this year. They sit in the middle of the financial game. Thome will likely come cheaper than Vladimir Guerrero or Manny Ramirez, the other top outfield/DH-type players available. Guerrero had a phenomenal season last year, and will likely seek a large contract. Also, he has the Cliff Lee-less Texas Rangers chasing after him, so they will be aggresive and will likely drive up his price. Manny brings a troubled player and always seeks a large deal, so he doesn't seem to make much sense for a young club seeking leadership.
Now, if there are any possible concerns, here is the biggest one. On December 21, 1998, the Orioles signed Albert Belle, who was on the back end of his career, to a 5 year, $65 million deal. At that time, that was the largest contract in Orioles history. Belle was a bust, and because of his outbursts of anger at the media, he brought negative attention to a club that was trying to get on track to win. So, Owner Peter Angelos may be hesitant to handing over an expensive contract to another player on the decline, such as Thome.
However, Thome is asking for roughly $8 million for one year, so it is a much less risky contract. Althought it would be an expensive investment, it will only be for one season, and Thome will provide the Orioles with a true leader, and a solid bat. He also has a great work ethic, and never has problems with the media. I think that all of this makes the $8 million completely worth it. Thome provides the Orioles with the final piece they need to have a potent offense.
This signing could be quite attractive to Thome as well. The future Hall of Famer is sitting at 589 home runs, 8th on the all-time list, and hitting in Camden Yards, a hitter's park, would create a very good opportunity for him to reach the 600 home run milestone. Also, the Orioles have one of, if the greatest manager in baseball, Buck Showalter. Showalter is known for winning, and for getting the most out of his players. Thome would benefit because it would help prevent him from suffering a serious drop in production, as he turned 41 this offseason, and most players start declining around age 35. He’s not getting any younger, and this could very well be his last season, so why not spend it in Baltimore?
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